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THE AMERICAN BATTLESHIP 
IN COMMISSION 





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The American Battleship 
In Commission 

AS SEEN BY AN ENLISTED MAN 

ALSO 

Many Man-o'-war Yarns 

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 




Army and Navy Register 

WASHINGTON, D. C., and NEW YORK CITY 
DISTRIBUTORS 



GRE3J 

I Twi 



AUG 



1906 



ry I Entry 
CLASS €4 XKc. No. 






Copyright, 1906, by 

THOMAS BEYER 

Bluejacket, U. S. Navy 



PRESS OF 

BRAUNWORTH & CO. 

BOOKBINDERS AND PRINTERS 

BROOKLYN, N. Y. 



DEDICATION 

This Book is Dedicated to the Relatives and Friends 
of the 

Bluejackets of the United states Navy, 

and all other " shore folks" who are interested in the 
personnel of a great Navy. 



PREFACE 



The entire contents of this book concern the Navy. 
I, the author, am an enlisted man. This preface is not 
to make excuses for my book ; the work speaks for 
itself. Many sailors keep a log in which all important 
events are recorded. Were it not for the log which I 
have kept, I would undoubtedly have been unable to 
write this book, since much of the contents were derived 
from this record. My main object is to furnish the 
general public with as much information about the Navy 
as possible, and by having a plain education it has 
caused me to write the contents in a style of my own, 
but the book, however, contains the material. 

Although the book is entitled " The American Battle- 
ship in Commission, ,, it does not signify that the con- 
tents pertain only to battleships. It has taken me two 
years of steady work to complete this book. I am writ- 
ing about the Navy from an enlisted man's point of view, 
and not in a single instance have I intentionally misrep- 
resented the service in any particular. What I have 
written represents the actual conditions as I have found 
them to be. 

Upon completing the manuscript of this book I for- 
warded it to the Navy Department at Washington for 
approval to publish the same. I was then and still 



Vlll PREFACE 

am an enlisted man. With the manuscript I enclosed a 
letter stating my reasons for writing the book. 
Two weeks later I received the following letter : 

Office of Naval Intelligence, 
Washington, D. C. 

October 77, 1905. 
Sir: 

Replying further to your letter of October 5th, I am author- 
ized by the Secretary of the Navy to inform you that the 
Department authorizes you to publish your book entitled "The 
American Battleship in Commission." I wish, you all success 
with your book. Your manuscript is returned by registered 
mail. 

Very respectfully, 
(Signed) Seaton Schroeder, 
Captain U. S. N. 

Upon receiving permission to publish my book, I sat 
down and rewrote part of the manuscript, thus improv- 
ing it in a great many ways. I have taken special pains 
to illustrate the book well, with the best illustrations 
obtainable, and to describe each view so that the reader 
will more readily understand the contents. Were I to 
explain about big guns, torpedoes, etc., in a technical 
manner, it would mean little or nothing to the average 
reader. Therefore, I have attempted to explain in a 
simple way the main rudiments, from which the reader 
can easily understand the general working principle. 

Throughout the book the reader will notice the ab- 
sence of "Fs," and I am elated over the fact, because 
it has been my intention to write actual facts in an im- 
personal manner. 



PREFACE IX 

The book is divided into two parts. Part I deals 
mainly with the Navy proper, while Part II contains 
many man-o'-war yarns, sketches, etc., many of which 
are personal experiences. 

Perhaps a brief account of myself would not be amiss. 
I was born in Oakland, California, in 1876, and enlisted 
in the Navy in 1898. Shortly after enlisting I was sent 
out to the Asiatic Station to join Admiral Dewey's fleet. 
I served on the following sea-going ships : U. S. S. Bal- 
timore, U. S. S. Bennington, U. S. S. Yosemite, U. S. S. 
Solace, and the U. S. S. Oregon. My present term of 
enlistment expires in October, 1906. 

Very respectfully, 

Thomas Beyer, 

Ship-fitter, first-class, U. S. Navy. 



CONTENTS 



BOOK I 

CHAPTER I 



PAGE 



The Navy i 

Building and Commissioning 8 

Officers of the Ship 15 

How Officers are Made 25 

CHAPTER II 

Preparing for a Voyage 26 

At Sea 28 

In Port 31 

Daily Routine 33 

Drills of the Week 36 

Description of Drills 38 

CHAPTER III 

The Crew and Their Duties 52 

Rate and Pay of Every Enlisted Man 66 

Opportunities 72 

Enlistment 73 

Sailors' Duds 77 

Amusements and Pastimes 78 

Man-o'-war Lingo 81 



XH CONTENTS 

CHAPTER IV 

PAGE 

Ordnance 86 

How Armor is Made 87 

Main Guns 90 

Crew of a Large Gun 93 

Intermediate and Secondary Battery Guns 96 

How a Large Gun is Made 99 

Ammunition 102 

Weight of Projectiles 105 

Torpedoes 105 

CHAPTER V 

Nomenclature of the Ship in 

Drainage System 124 

Ventilation System 126 

Fresh and Salt Water Systems 127 

Description of United States Vessels 128 

How the Navy has Grown in Twelve Years 139 

Vessels under Construction 143 

Summary of Important Vessels Built 144 

CHAPTER VI 

Different Types of Warships 145 

Two Years on the Oregon 152 

How a Battleship is Docked 154 

Admiral Dewey's Fleet at Manila Bay Compared 

with a Modern Battleship 160 

How the Crew is Divided. 162 

Naval Notes 167 



CONTENTS Xlll 

BOOK II 

MAN-O'-WAR YARNS 

PAGE 

Stand by the Pic 192 

How to Tell the Weight of a Porker 192 

No Teeth, No Music 193 

A Contraband Bow-wow 194 

Tell it to a Marine 195 

Wash-day 196 

A Sinking Ship r 198 

Presto ! Change ! 198 

Dogs 199 

To-morrow is the Day After 200 

Number-One Kind Tea-set 201 

A Fowl Move 203 

Show Me 205 

A Personal Story 206 

An Old Salt's Salty Saltings 208 

The Wreck of the U. S. S. Yosemite 211 

Sea-going Smiles 220 

Good-morning , 226 

A Perpetual Reward 227 

Ingenuity 230 

Stormy Weather on the Gulf 231 

A Dry Ship 232 

Frenzied Finance 234 

Full Rations 236 

Ah Choy 237 

A Rookie's Letter 238 

Lost— a Ward-room Cake 240 

Two Sea-dogs Growling 241 

A Few Salty Riddles 245 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Thomas Beyer Frontispiece 

Launching of the U. S. S. Connecticut opp. p. 6^ 

A Battleship Under Construction " 12 

Three Rear-Admirals " 18 

U. S. S. Rhode Island. " 24 

U. S. S. Alabama at Sea " 30 

Signaling from the Bridge " 36/ 

On the Quarterdeck " 42 y 

Ship's Company, U. S. S. Charleston " 48 . 

Outward Bound " 56 

A Galley Scene " 62 , 

A Few Mascots tl 66 

The Wooden Navy " 74 

Boxing Aboard the West Virginia " 80 

U. S. S. Charleston at Sea " ^ 

A Six-inch Gun " 96 

The Pennsylvania's Broadside " 102 

The New Bliss-Leavitt Turbine Torpedo " 108 

A Navy-yard Scene " 114^ 

Taking Life Easy " 120 

A Group of Young Naval Officers " 126 

U. S. S. Virginia on Her Trial Trip " 130 . 

U. S. S. Iowa " 140 / 



XIV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

U. S. S, West Virginia at Anchor " 146 

A Monitor at Sea opp. p. 150 

U. S. S. Oregon, Outward Bound " 154 

How a Battleship is Docked " 160 

Taking Stores Aboard " 168 

Naval Y. M. C. A. Building, Brooklyn, N. Y. " 172 

A Homeward-bound Pennant " 178 

A Submarine Boat " 184 

Getting the Liberty Boats Ready " 192 

Waiting for the Admiral " 196 

U. S. S. Ohio " 202 

Race-boat and Crew, U. S. S. Illinois " 208 

Ship's Company, U. S. S. Chattanooga " 214 

A New Race-horse " 220 

A Wrestling Match " 226 

Nobody Works but Uncle " 232 

A Diver at Work " 242 



Cover design made from illustration fwnished by courtesy of 
"Scientific American" 



BOOK I 



CHAPTER I 

THE NAVY — BUILDING AND COMMISSIONING 

OFFICERS OF THE SHIP — HOW 
OFFICERS ARE MADE 

THE NAVY 

QREAT pride and interest are taken in the 
Navy, particularly of late, as the results of 
the Japanese and Russian War have plainly 
demonstrated that a strong and efficient Navy is 
the most important factor in war time. Folks at 
home read about the achievements of a certain ship, 
while at the same time many people do not realize 
what a grand array of warships Uncle Sam owns. 

A person may gaze at the photograph of a battle- 
ship or cruiser or he may see one lying at anchor. 
When it comes to defining the difference between 
their fighting qualities, etc., the average landsman 
would be at sea. It requires personal experience 
and study to enable one to comment truthfully upon 
the service. 

A warship is a floating diplomat. Moving about 



2 The American Battleship in Commission 

singly or in fleets, they command, in many ways, 
respect for the country which they represent. Our 
interests in foreign ports are constantly on the in- 
crease, as the Export Statistics will show ; and now 
that Uncle Sam is the legal guardian of the Philip- 
pines, Cuba, Porto Rico, Hawaii, and the Panama 
Canal, a large and efficient Navy is needed to pro- 
tect American interests. 

A large Navy alone does not signify a strong 
Navy. Should the personnel be lacking in training, 
skill, and discipline, the ships would be of very 
little value. In time of action they would be an 
easy prey to the enemy whose ships and men have a 
superior training. 

Millions of dollars are spent annually to bring the 
fighting qualities of both ship and men up to the 
highest standard, and every dollar of this money is 
well invested. 

The art of war is now carried out on a scientific 
basis, where superior tact, skill, training, and disci- 
pline have a decided advantage, 

Washington, D. C, is the official headquarters 
of the United States Navy. There all movements 
of ships, stores, officers, enlisted men, etc., are 
directed, with the assistance of the many admirals 
and captains who are in command of the different 
fleets, squadrons, and divisions. 

The duties of the Navy Department are divided 



The Navy 3 

among different bureaus, such as Navigation, Con- 
struction and Repair, Equipment, Steam Engi- 
neering, etc. The duties aboard ship and at the 
different departments are thus divided in order to 
simplify matters in each department. 

All ships of the Navy must be placed out of com- 
mission regularly at the different navy-yards main- 
tained by the Navy. When a ship is placed out 
of commission she is thoroughly overhauled and 
equipped with the latest appliances. Ships are also 
built at the navy yards by the Government. The 
Connecticut, a sixteen-thousand-ton battleship, is 
one of them. This ship was built at the Brooklyn 
navy-yard. 

Several of our warships have seen ten years' ser- 
vice before being placed out of commission. When 
a ship is recommissioned she is then better equipped 
than when she was new, for the reason that she is 
modern and equipped with improvements which 
have come into use only recently. 

The entire Navy is conducted on the same prin- 
ciple. The Navy Department prints a book which 
contains the rules and regulations governing the 
U. S. Navy. From the color of its binding this 
book is known as the "Blue Book." Every little 
detail of the service is contained within its pages. 
From time to time, as the service may require, 
changes are made in the rules and regulations. 



4 The American Battleship in Commission 

Many people are inclined to think that naval offi- 
cers have one continuous round of pleasure, with 
nothing to do but travel around the world at the 
expense of the Government. Such an erroneous 
impression could be entertained only by one unac- 
quainted with the service, All naval officers have 
arduous tasks to perform before ships are intrusted 
to their command. After passing through six years 
of continuous studies, midshipmen are then com- 
missioned ensigns, this being the lowest rank of a 
commissioned officer. Line officers are the regular 
commissioned officers of the Navy who have gone 
through the prescribed course at the Naval Acad- 
emy. This also includes warrant officers who have 
passed the examination for ensign. Officers are 
gradually promoted, each in his turn, a special ex- 
amination being taken for each grade. 

A line officer must have been in charge of every 
department of the ship, such as Signal, Navigation, 
Ordnance, and Executive, before he can get command 
of a large ship. Many admirals in foreign Navies 
have seen far less service than our commanders. 

In regard to the benefits that an enlisted man 
derives from service, there are a great many. A 
bluejacket is well taken care of, and, best of all, he 
is well paid. The opportunities for advancement 
in the Navy are far greater to-day than at any pre- 
vious time. 



The Navy 5 

Recently the rates of several different new petty 
officers have been created, and more will be added 
from time to time. These new rates, with the old 
ones, have promoted a great many of the crew to 
the rank of petty officers. The initial pay of a 
petty officer varies from thirty to seventy dollars a 
month. This, however, does not include his extra 
pay, such as gun-pointer, continuous service bene- 
fits, etc. 

A large number of new battleships and cruisers 
are being rapidly completed and commissioned. 
The majority of these ships carry a complement of 
over eight hundred men, and there are a great many 
openings for advancement. When a member of 
the crew is rated a petty officer more work is not 
expected of him because his pay has been increased. 
He is rated a petty officer for the fact that he 
has acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to 
command a more responsible position. As a gen- 
eral rule, the higher an enlisted man advances the 
less manual labor he is required to perform. A 
petty officer, however, is clothed with considerable 
authority, and many responsible duties are assigned 
him. Naval life is very congenial to the enlisted 
man, and he gains a vast fund of knowledge and 
experience in his travels. Most important of all, 
however, he is well disciplined. 

Now and then a young man may enlist who turns 



6 The American Battleship in Commission 

out to be a very undesirable recruit ; he may even 
cause discontent among the other members of the 
crew. Some of these write home to their parents 
condemning the service. In some instances their 
home papers may publish the contents of the letters, 
although the authors might have been entirely to 
blame in the matter. 

The regular man-o'-war men soon grow tired of 
hearing a recruit continually growling. He is then 
told to "run away if you don't like it." Some 
young men join the service with false ideas of life 
on a ship. Some expect to be given a private room 
and even a servant to wait upon them. Cases of 
this kind are rare, however, as most of the recruits 
soon adapt themselves to the routine of the service. 
When a recruit persists in being obstinate he will 
either desert or be dishonorably discharged from 
the service. Under no circumstances does Uncle 
Sam wish to retain in the service men of this char- 
acter. 

Some men enlist in the Navy without the con- 
sent of their parents, though the recruiting officers 
use every effort to prevent such occurrences. This 
is due usually to objection on the part of the par- 
ents. It seems that the names of warships, big 
guns, etc., give some people the most peculiar 
notions about the service. This is particularly true 
of women. The greatest caution is exercised at all 



The Navy 7 

times, and with the many safety devices in use acci- 
dents are of rare occurrence. 

When an accident occurs in the Navy it is looked 
upon as something awful by the " shore folks/' 
Were it to be taken into consideration that there 
are over three hundred ships on the Navy register, 
the majority of them being in commission, it would 
be plainly seen that Navy life is no more dangerous 
than other vocations ashore. 

The majority of the accidents in the Navy have 
occurred under unavoidable circumstances, and at 
the same time a great lesson is learned from them. 
The experience thus gained is utilized to prevent 
any such occurrences in the future. The warships 
that are in commission hold regular target practice, 
speed trials, etc., each year, all of which involves 
a certain amount of risk. 

There are over one hundred different rates aboard 
a battleship. Members of the crew are constantly 
being transferred, discharged, etc., thus causing 
rapid promotion. During their first enlistment a 
majority of the enlisted men are rated petty offi- 
cers. Not one, but many of the author's shipmates 
aboard the Oregon will verify this statement, for 
many of them are now petty officers on their first 
enlistment. 

When the Oregon won the Gunnery Trophy 
many of the gun-pointers were on their first enlist- 



8 The American Battleship in Commission 

ment. A large number of them had never seen 
salt water until enlisting. Many naval officers can 
look back at the day they enlisted in the service 
with the lowest ratings on the paymaster's books. 
The Navy regulations allow a warrant officer to 
become a regular commissioned officer of the line, 
that is, provided he pass a successful examination. 
This examination is very severe, and it takes a 
large amount of practical and theoretical study to 
enable one to pass it. Several warrant officers 
have already passed the examination, and are now 
regular commissioned officers. Upon passing suc- 
cessfully, they are made ensign. They are then 
promoted gradually to the higher ranks. There is 
absolutely nothing to prevent an ambitious enlisted 
man from becoming a captain or admiral. 

BUILDING AND COMMISSIONING 

Drawing up the plans of a battleship is an ex- 
ceptionally arduous task, as there are so many diffi- 
culties to be overcome. 

The first thing to be considered is the displace- 
ment, which is equal, of course, to the weight of 
the vessel. When this has been determined, all 
plans and specifications are made out accordingly, as 
the armor, armament, speed, steaming radius, fuel 
and water supply, living quarters, and in fact every de- 
tail of the ship must be considered and provided for 



Building and Commissioning 9 

The weights and spaces of all parts of the ship 
must be well equalized in proportion so that the ship 
will not exceed the displacement originally in- 
tended. From year to year battleships are con- 
stantly being increased in size, speed, armor, and 
armament. It requires a great deal of experience, 
skill, and money to acquire these valuable points 
of advantage. Speed alone is a very important 
factor in time of battle. Take, for instance, two 
opposing fleets in battle. One fleet has an average 
displacement of fourteen thousand tons and a speed 
of sixteen knots. The other fleet has the same 
displacement, but a speed of eighteen knots. The 
ship with a high rate of speed has a decided advan- 
tage over one of a low rate. The ship with a high 
rate of speed can keep the enemy at a distance and 
give or take battle at will, because it can maneuver 
about to gain an advantageous position. 

To increase the speed of a battleship an extra 
knot, additional horse-power is required. This 
necessitates an increase of the powers of the boilers 
and engines, also the fuel and water supply. By all 
these increases other parts of the ship must be de- 
creased, such as the armor, caliber of certain guns, etc. 

As soon as Congress has appropriated the money 
to build the vessel, the final plans are drawn up, 
and the building of the ship is then let out by con- 
tract to the lowest bidder. 



io The American Battleship in Commission 

Everything used in the construction of the ship 
must be of home manufacture, and the successful 
bidder agrees to build the ship strictly according 
to contract. The specifications, of course, contain 
all details regarding the construction of the ship. 

The size and quality of all frames, plates, rivets, 
etc., are carefully specified. The builders are 
placed under heavy bonds, there being a heavy 
penalty imposed for any breach of contract on the 
part of the builders. Previously the Government 
paid a bonus for each knot or part thereof in excess 
of the speed specified in the contract, but the or- 
der has now been rescinded. 

Piece by piece the huge fighting machine is as- 
sembled. Several thousand workmen are set to 
work on the ship itself or in the workshops near 
by. Every labor-saving device that can be utilized 
is taken advantage of by the builders. Only a 
short while back all riveting, drilling, etc. , on the 
ship was performed by hand. Now most of it is 
done by automatic tools of different kinds. Riv- 
eters, chippers, etc., do most of their work with 
pneumatic tools which are operated by compressed 
air. Most of these tools are very light, so that 
they may be used in any part of the ship. An air- 
hose connects all these tools with the compressed- 
air-pipe system which is set up temporarily in and 
around the ship. 



Building and Commissioning u 

There is very small chance for any crooked work 
in the building of the ship, because the plans and 
specifications state precisely the quantity and qual- 
ity of all materials used. In addition to this, naval 
officers are detailed as inspectors at the different 
ship-building plants where the warships are under 
construction. 

When the ship is ready for launching, a great 
many preparations are necessary. The launching 
of a ship is a very pompous affair, and thousands 
of spectators gather around to witness the event. 
As a rule, all of our battleships are named after 
States. 

When the day for launching arrives, a delegation 
is on hand to represent the State after which the 
vessel is named, and some fair daughter of the 
State has the honor of christening her. As the 
ship starts to move, the sponsor dashes the bottle 
against the ship's bow and exclaims : 4 ' I christen 
thee ," at the same time giving the name. 

A ship is launched at high tide, and when every- 
thing is ready all blocking is released and she starts 
to move. It is indeed a grand sight to see that 
huge hulk of steel rushing onward to the water 
which is to be her home. She strikes the water 
with a splash amid a din of cheers and whistles. 

When the armored cruiser Washington was 
launched a new wrinkle was introduced. This ship 



1 2 The American Battleship in Commission 

was built in a building with a glass roof, thus en- 
abling the builders to work in inclement weather. 
The ship was launched automatically. All block- 
ing was released simultaneously, and the ship was 
given a start with hydraulic rams which were lo- 
cated at the head of the launching- ways. 

When a ship is launched she generally represents 
a mere shell, though in some cases the builders may 
partly equip the ship before launching. As soon 
as she is launched, tugs stand by to tow her to the 
berth, where the ship is finished and made ready for 
the trial trip. The builders hold their own prelim- 
inary trial trip, when the ship is put through a se- 
ries of severe tests. After all defects have been 
remedied and the ship fitted up to the " pink " of 
condition the Navy Department is notified that she 
is ready for the official trial trip. 

A certain course is laid out and marked at in- 
tervals by the Government stake-boats. Several 
naval officers are detailed on the trial board to look 
after Uncle Sam's interests. The builders have 
everything in readiness, selected men are at the 
engines and in the fire-rooms, and in fact every- 
thing is done to increase the power and speed of 
the ship. 

Everyone aboard is held in great suspense as the 
ship is throbbing and trembling from stem to stern 
as she rushes through the water like an animated 



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Building and Commissioning 13 

thing. The stake-boats being set at intervals give 
the trial board an accurate idea of the ship's speed, 
etc. 

Of late years a new method of holding trial trips 
has been introduced. It is known as the Standard- 
ized Screw method. Near the vicinity of the 
throttle of the main engines is a " counter," which 
is connected with the main engines. This counter 
registers accurately each revolution of the engines. 
The ship is then run carefully over a measured mile 
course, which enables the trial board to ascertain 
the exact number of turns that the engines must 
make in order to give the speed specified in the 
contract. The ship is then run for four consecu- 
tive hours, and should the engines average the de- 
sired number of turns throughout, the run of the 
ship is approved. 

In most cases the ship exceeds the speed specified 
in the contract. After the trial trip she returns to 
the harbor with brooms flying from the masts. 
Sometimes the speed of the ship is painted on the 
smoke-stacks. 

After the speed trial another series of tests are 
held. The ship is ordered ahead at different 
speeds and the engines are suddenly reversed to 
ascertain in what space and time the ship will stop, 
etc. 

The steering-gear, water-tight doors, and in fact 



14 The American Battleship in Commission 

all parts of the ship, are carefully tested under dif- 
ferent conditions. The results of all these different 
tests are of great value for future reference, be- 
cause during the ship's career emergencies may- 
arise where the information gained may be put to 
practical use. 

After the ship has successfully passed the trial 
trip she then returns to the ship-yard, where all de- 
fects are remedied and the furnishings and all nec- 
essary equipments installed. When completed, 
the ship is then ready to be commissioned. 

Placing a battleship in commission is a very 
quiet and simple affair. Shortly before the ship is 
placed in commission a small part of the crew is 
sent to the ship. These are mostly from the en- 
gineer's department, thus enabling them to be- 
come familiar with the machinery, etc. The bal- 
ance of the ship's complement have been previously 
selected, and are held in readiness for the day 
when they are ordered to the ship. 

The captain musters all hands aft on the quarter- 
deck and reads out his orders, which state that the 
Navy Department has ordered him to assume com- 
mand of the ship, etc. The orders on the com- 
missioning having been read and " Old Glory" 
hoisted, the ship is then entered upon the " active 
list" of naval vessels. 

When a ship is commissioned she is taken in 



Officers of the Ship 15 

hand by the officers and crew and " broken in " 
like a young colt. Fire, collision, and other drills 
are frequently held, and the ship is taken out for 
short cruises, to familiarize the crew with their new 
home. 

The ship is again put through a series of severe 
tests, the most important being the firing of the 
ship's guns to ascertain the concussion, etc. The 
builders are held responsible for any defects that 
may arise within a specified period of time. After 
a short period of patience and toil the ship is finally 
11 broken in " and ready to be assigned to duty. 

OFFICERS OF THE SHIP 

Admiral. The Navy ships in commission are 
divided into fleets. For instance, the ships at- 
tached to the Asiatic Fleet do duty in the vicinity of 
China, Japan, the Philippines, and all other countries 
near by. When the fleet consists of a large num- 
ber of ships it is then divided into squadrons and 
divisions. Each squadron or division is generally 
under the command of an admiral, while the entire 
fleet is under the command of the senior admiral, 
who is known as the Commander-in-Chief of the 
fleet. 

When at sea the admiral often puts the entire 
fleet through a series of maneuvers, all of which 
require great tact and skill. It is an imposing sight 



1 6 The American Battleship in Commission 

to witness a fleet of large ships maneuvering about 
with clockwork precision. In time of action prompt 
maneuvering is one of the most important factors. 
All orders are sent from the flag-ship, each ship of 
the fleet keeping a keen lookout, obeying all sig- 
nals promptly, etc. The admiral has several offi- 
cers attached to his staff, and they assist him in 
many ways, as the duties required of an admiral 
are of a varied nature. 

The ships of the fleet are inspected regularly by 
the admiral and his staff ; every nook and corner 
of the ship is thoroughly inspected, besides the 
personnel of the ship. In time of war the greatest 
responsibility rests upon the admiral. Should com- 
munication with Washington be impossible, the 
admiral would then have to use his own discretion 
according to the circumstances of the case. When 
more than one admiral are together in a fleet the 
senior admiral would display from his ship a blue 
flag and the other would use a red flag. Should 
there be three admirals together, the junior admiral 
would display a white flag. Upon being separated 
from the fleet the admiral in command of any fleet, 
squadron, or division would then hoist his senior 
flag. 

Captain. The captain is in command of the ship 
to which he is assigned, and is responsible for the 



Officers of the Ship 17 

ship in general. The captain and admiral both 
have their own private quarters, each having his 
own cook, steward, and mess attendants. 

The captain is known as the Commanding Officer, 
and is clothed with a great deal of authority. 
Should two or more ships be together with no ad- 
miral among them, the senior captain would then 
be in command. Both the captain and admiral 
have their own boats, which are for their personal 
use. At the bow of the admiral's launch or oared 
boat are two gilt stars, which signify admiral's 
barge. At the bow of the captain's gig is a long 
gilt arrow, which signifies Commanding Officer's 
gig. All promotions of the enlisted men aboard 
the ship are made upon the captain's indorsement ; 
the other officers in charge of the different depart- 
ments and divisions do the recommending. Dur- 
ing battle, important maneuvers, entering or leav- 
ing port, etc., the captain is on the bridge. The 
only real difference between a captain and a com- 
mander is that the former is of higher rank and has 
command of a larger ship. 

Executive Officer, This officer is the right-hand 
man of the captain and has complete charge of the 
running of the ship. He is also the equipment 
and construction officer. All stores issued out and 
all repairs made on the ship, except those of the 



1 8 The American Battleship in Commission 

engineer's, navigator's, and ordnance departments, 
are under his supervision. The executive has to 
attend to an extensive correspondence, which in- 
cludes quarterly reports, recommendations, ratings, 
and hundreds of other details required by the daily 
routine of the ship. 

Three yeomen assist the executive : two for his 
office work, the other being assigned charge of 
the equipment stores. Stores, tools, and materials 
of every description are constantly needed for the 
ship. Each quarter a ship is allowed a certain 
amount of stores, which are served out when needed 
for use at different intervals. In this way the ex- 
ecutive exercises great care that no stores, etc., are 
wasted. The executive attends to it that the ship 
is made ready for inspection and kept in good con- 
dition at all times. 

Every Sunday morning the captain inspects the 
entire ship, including the crew. The executive 
officer of a ship generally ranks next to the cap- 
tain. When dining in the ward-room the executive 
sits at the head of the table. 

Engineer Officer. The senior engineer officer is in 
charge of the engineer's department and is respon- 
sible for all the machinery operated by steam power. 
All compartments, double bottoms, piping, valves, 
etc., within the boundaries of the engineer's de- 




Three Rear-Admirals. Rear- Admiral R. D. Evans (seated), Commander-in-Chief 
of the great Atlantic Fleet. Rear- Admiral C. H. Davis Ton right), command- 
ing the second division of first squadron. Rear- Admiral W. H. Brownson (on 
left), commanding the second squadron of the Atlantic Fleet. 

Photograph hy Dawson-Rich Co., Philadelphia. 



Officers of the Ship 19 

partment are kept in order by that department. 
The machinery of a battleship is no small item, 
and the labor, patience, and time occupied in keep- 
ing it in good shape are enormous. A large force of 
mechanics, firemen, and coal-passers are attached 
to this department. An accurate log is kept by 
the engineer's department, where an account is 
kept of all coal, water, etc., used; also every minor 
detail of the department is recorded. The senior 
engineer is assisted in his duties by one or more 
junior' engineer officers and the regular warrant 
machinists. 

These junior officers, with the warrant machinists, 
stand regular steaming watches at sea and perform 
the regular day's duty when in port. 

Great care must be exercised with the machinery 
of the ship at all times, because when the ship has 
completed a voyage many repairs are made by the 
department. All our large ships are equipped with 
powerful machinery, and should any work be done 
carelessly or incompetently, a serious accident 
might be the result. 

Navigator. This officer has charge of the naviga- 
tion of the ship. All compasses, steering-gear, 
signaling apparatus, etc., must be kept in perfect 
condition. The navigator has a private office of 
his own, and also a yeoman to perform the clerical 



20 The American Battleship in Commission 

work, as the navigator has charge of the ship's log. 
Everything pertaining to the ship, such as the 
amount of coal and water on hand, ship's draught, 
speed made, position, etc., is entered in the log- 
book. 

The smooth log is made up regularly and signed 
by the watch officers, navigator, and captain, and 
forwarded to Washington at intervals. 

When the ship receives her sailing orders the 
navigator takes out his charts and lays out the 
course of the ship. All the electrical apparatus of 
the ship, such as search-lights, electrical machinery, 
etc., are in charge of the navigator. On the 
smaller types of ships the navigator is also the ord- 
nance officer. 

Ordnance Officer. This officer is in charge of all 
guns, ammunition, magazines, torpedoes, ammuni- 
tion hoists, and their many appurtenances. The 
greatest caution is exercised with the ordnance of 
the ship. The guns must be kept in the best of 
condition, powder tested regularly, and in fact every 
detail is attended to. This is extremely necessary, 
because, should an emergency arise, the guns of 
the ship would be ready for instant use. 

Target practice is held regularly with the ship's 
battery, and a good score at target practice is quite 
a feather in the ordnance officer's cap. 



Officers of the Ship 21 

There is an enormous amount of ordnance para- 
phernalia required on board ship. Several of our 
ships have a battery consisting of seventy-four guns 
of varied calibers, and were all these guns to be 
fired simultaneously, nearly four tons of projectiles 
would be hurled through the air. Were the total 
weight of projectiles fired from a single ship in bat- 
tle figured up, the weight would no doubt repre- 
sent the tonnage of an average gunboat. 

Medical Officer. A complete medical staff, con- 
sisting of one senior doctor, one junior, one hospi- 
tal steward, and the hospital apprentices, is carried 
on every large ship. Special quarters are provided 
for the sick-bay, or ship's hospital. The sick-bay 
contains a number of bunks, dispensary, and opera- 
ting-table. 

Every morning the bugler sounds sick call, and 
those wishing to interview the doctor report at the 
sick-bay. Should the complaint be of a serious 
nature, the patient is put on the binnacle list and 
excused from all duties. Often during an emer- 
gency operations are performed aboard ship. When 
convenient a serious case is transferred ashore to 
some naval hospital for further treatment. When on 
a foreign station, the doctor can recommend that 
certain patients be sent home for further treatment 
should the circumstances of the case warrant it. 



22 The American Battleship in Commission 

Pay Officer. The pay department issues money, 
clothing, and rations to the crew. The crew are 
paid monthly, each member having a pay number. 

On pay day the crew line up by the pay office, 
and as each person is paid, he signs for the money 
received. At the end of each quarter the crew 
sign their quarterly accounts, a duplicate of which 
is forwarded to Washington. Should it so happen 
that a member of the crew is short in his account, 
he can refuse to sign his account. In this way a 
mistake is seldom made. 

It is quite a task to keep the accounts straight, 
owing to the fact that constant changes take place 
resulting from transfers, promotions, etc. 

The crew are fed by the pay department, a com- 
missary steward being in charge. A great amount 
of money is handled aboard a battleship, because 
the crew are paid regularly, and an enormous 
amount of stores, provisions, etc., are purchased 
ashore by "open purchase." Much of the money 
handled by the paymaster consists of Navy pay 
checks, which are as good as gold. The ship's 
canteen is also operated by the pay department. 

The paymaster is placed under heavy bonds, he 
being responsible for everything pertaining to his 
department. Should a member of the crew wish to 
leave an allotment to his folks or to anyone else, 
he can do so. The allotment money would be de- 



Officers of the Ship 23 

ducted from his accounts and sent regularly to the 
person in whose favor the allotment is made. 

A pay clerk is appointed to assist the paymaster 
with his duties; a couple of yeomen and a Jack-of- 
the-dust are also assigned to that department. 

Other Officers. There are a great many other offi- 
cers aboard ship who stand regular watches besides 
being in charge of their respective divisions and 
batteries. The crew are divided into divisions, 
such as powder, engineer's, navigator's, and pay 
divisions, an officer being in charge of each depart- 
ment. 

The deck force is divided into divisions, such as 
first, second, third, etc. Each division is in charge of 
a line officer, who is assisted by other officers of lower 
rank. A marine captain and lieutenant have charge 
of the marines aboard ship. 

One or more officers are always on watch, whether 
the ship is at sea or in port. 

On the large ships an officer, known as the signal 
officer, is in charge of the signaling of the ship. 
The wireless telegraph is now installed in most of 
our ships, and this is of great value in receiving and 
sending messages. Many secret codes are used 
when signaling. The captain has a secret-code sig- 
nal-book, which is bound with sheet lead. The 
book is bound in metal so that in time of war the 



24 The American Battleship in Commission 

book could be thrown overboard should the ship 
fall into the enemy's hands. 

Warrant Officers. Several warrant officers act as 
assistants to the officer in charge of their respective 
departments. Nearly all of them are promoted from 
enlisted men, and their rank, pay, and general sur- 
roundings are very congenial. The Navy regula- 
tions allow a warrant officer to become a commis- 
sioned officer provided he can pass the examination, 
which is a very severe one. Upon passing success- 
fully, the warrant officer is made an ensign and is 
gradually promoted in turn to the higher ranks, as 
his ability and service warrant. 

Boatswain, gunner, carpenter, warrant machinist, 
sail-maker, and pharmacist represent the warrant 
officers of a ship. Some ships, however, do not 
carry a sail-maker or pharmacist. Pay clerks and 
mates have about the same status as the warrant 
officers; instead of being warranted they are ap- 
pointed. Mates are appointed from the enlisted 
men, and the position is an honorary one, given to 
the men who have faithful service to their credit. 
Those who are too old or are unable to pass the ex- 
amination for warrant officer find it quite easy to 
qualify for mate. 

A warrant officer, after serving as such for a period 
of six years, is examined for promotion. If he 




in 



How Officers are Made 25 

passes the examination successfully he is commis- 
sioned in his own respective corps, such as chief 
boatswains, chief gunners, etc. 

HOW OFFICERS ARE MADE 

Senators, Representatives, and delegates in Con- 
gress appoint the midshipmen from their respective 
districts. Upon being appointed the applicant must 
undergo a careful examination, both physical and 
mental. If the examination is successfully passed, 
the applicant is then admitted to the Naval Acad- 
emy. Midshipmen are put through a six-year course, 
of which four years are spent at the academy and two 
in a sea-going ship. Upon completing the course 
a final examination takes place. Those who pass 
successfully are commissioned ensigns, each class 
being appointed in order of merit. For instance, 
the class of 1906 consisted of two hundred midship- 
men. The one who made the lowest marks w r ould 
be put at the bottom of the list. Each officer has 
a certain number. 

When an officer is promoted, retired, etc., all 
those below him in numbers go up one notch. 



CHAPTER II 

PREPARING FOR A VOYAGE — AT SEA — IN PORT — 
DAILY ROUTINE — DRILLS OF THE WEEK- 
DESCRIPTION OF DRILLS 

PREPARING FOR A VOYAGE 

THE flag-ship gives the order to get under 
way, due allowance being made for the ship 
to get steam up in the boilers and have every- 
thing in readiness for the voyage. Ships of the 
Navy in commission are ready for duty at all times. 
Immediately after arriving in port from a long voy- 
age the coaling-gear is broken out and the ship 
coaled up. 

The paymaster always has on hand a certain 
amount of provisions. Engines, boilers, and in 
fact every part of the ship is kept in perfect order, 
so that when the order is received to get ' - under 
way M at any specified time, there will be no delay. 
Shortly before sailing-time a large supply of fresh 
provisions arrive on board. The fresh meat is 



Preparing for a Voyage 27 

stowed in the refrigerating rooms, the vegetables 
being stowed in the vegetable lockers. 

When the anchor-gear is " broken out," it is a 
good sign that the ship is about to start on her 
journey. Everything in the engine-room is ready, 
a full head of steam is up, engines have been warmed 
up and tested, the steaming watch is on, and every- 
thing is in readiness for the speed-annunciator to 
give the signal. 

On the bridge the steering-gear, speed-annuncia- 
tors, etc., have been tested and the anchor-gear is 
ready. A few minutes before sailing-time the cap- 
tain and executive make their appearance on the 
bridge. The boats and gangways have previously 
been taken in, and everyone awaits the word "up 
anchor/' All eyes are fixed on the flag-ship: sud- 
denly as the signal flutters to the breeze the execu- 
tive gives the order "up anchor." The anchor- 
engine tugs at the mighty chains as they come 
quivering through the hawse-pipes. Slowly but 
surely that huge anchor is hoisted, and when it ap- 
pears to view the catt-falls are hooked into the bal- 
ancing-link of the anchor, which is then hoisted 
aboard and placed on the bill-board, a slanting re- 
ceptacle to which the anchor is secured with large 
clamps. Many ships use a stockless anchor; the 
shank of this type of anchor is drawn into the 
hawse-pipe. The instant the anchor is sighted 



28 The American Battleship in Commission 

and found to be clear the flag-ship is signaled "all 
ready/ ' 

Each ship of the fleet strives to report first, 
though the case often happens that the anchor is 
badly fouled by having the chain entangled around 
the anchor-stock or flukes. 

As soon as all of the ships of the fleet have re- 
ported " all ready," the signal " get under way " is 
given, and the ships steam in columns or in line, 
according to the program, the flag-ship leading. 

AT SEA 

As soon as the anchor is hoisted and secured all 
gear about the deck is restowed, boat covers put 
on, and should the sea be rough, all necessary 
hatches, air- and gun-ports are well secured. The 
ship is now ready to combat any storm that may 
arise. When a passenger steamer encounters a 
storm at sea the captain generally informs the pas- 
sengers that it was the worst storm he ever experi- 
enced during his thirty years' sea experience, etc. 

The last storm is always worse than the previous 
one. This is done for effect and also as a business 
proposition. In the Navy it is very different, as 
all storms look alike toa a man-o-war's " man. 

A warship is always prepared for any emergency, 
whether it be to battle the elements or the enemy. 

When at sea each division is divided into two 



At Sea 29 

watches, port and starboard. When the port watch 
is on duty they do all their work in their part of the 
ship. When relieved by the starboard watch the 
duties are performed by those assigned to this task. 

The general routine at sea is somewhat different 
than when in port. On the bridge are the regular 
watch officers, quartermasters, signal-men, and the 
helmsman standing their regular watches. A sea- 
man is stationed at the wheel, assisted, if necessary, 
by the quartermaster. A certain course is designa- 
ted should the ship be in fleet formation ; the helms- 
man keeps the ship in line. On the lower decks is 
a member of the carpenters gang on watch. He 
sounds all bilges regularly and keeps a sharp look- 
out for leaky ports, etc. At all times the life- 
boats hang ready for instant use. 

These boats are kept well provisioned and wa- 
tered. At night a lantern is kept lighted in the 
boat, and life-boat crews are constantly on watch. 
Should the cry of " man overboard " be heard, the 
boats are lowered instantly. Two patent life-buoys 
are suspended clear of the ship's sides. These are 
held in position by a trigger-like arrangement, and 
when the trigger is pulled the life-buoy then drops 
into the sea. Upon contact with the water two 
jets of flame spurt up, as there are two automatic 
torches fastened to the sides of the life-buoy. The 
person in the water heads for this buoy, and as 



30 The American Battleship in Commission 

soon as the life-boats get clear of the ship they also 
head for the life-buoy. It is a rare occurrence that 
the cry of "man overboard " is heard. In nearly 
every instance the person is promptly rescued. 

All hands, except those on watch, turn in by 
eight in the evening. Throughout the day a look- 
out is stationed in the forward fighting top in order 
to keep a keen lookout for passing vessels, land, 
etc. Should a sailing-vessel, steamer, or land be 
sighted, the lookout would cry "sail ho," "smoke 
ho," or "land ho," as the case might be. The 
officer of the deck would in turn inquire "where 
away!" Whereupon the lookout would report to 
him the direction in which he sights the object. 

At noon when the weather is fair the navigator 
observes the altitude of the sun with his sextant, 
from which he determines the exact position of the 
ship. Should the weather be inclement for several 
days, the position of the ship would then be judged 
by "dead reckoning," which is done by calcula- 
tions from speed and courses steamed and plottings 
on the chart. The patent log, which is towed astern 
when the ship is under way, registers the speed 
made, and, allowing for currents, etc., the ship's 
position can be fairly judged. 

As soon as the ship nears port both anchors are 
prepared for letting go, boats made ready for low- 
ering, and the gangways made ready for shipping. 



In Port 31 

IN PORT 

After a long voyage land is a very welcome sight. 
Upon entering a foreign port the ship steams in 
slowly, so as to allow the quarantine authorities and 
other officials to board and examine the ship's papers. 
An American warship can, in most every instance, 
show a clean bill of health, because the crews are a 
healthy body of men. Jack's health is well cared 
for. Every enlisted man carries a complete outfit 
of clothes which are adapted for both hot and cold 
climates. 

After the papers have been examined and found 
to be satisfactory, the ship then proceeds into the 
harbor. On the port and starboard sides of the 
ship are two small extension platforms called chains. 
Seamen are detailed in the chains to heave the lead. 
At each heave of the lead the leadsman drawls out 
the depth in a sea-going voice. When the ship 
has reached the anchorage spot the engines are or- 
dered reversed, and when the ship commences to go 
astern the anchor is ordered let go. The anchor 
is released by a trigger arrangement. At its release 
a great splash is made, the anchor chain creating a 
great noise as it rattles through the hawse-pipe. 
The chain is marked at intervals, and the amount 
slacked out is regulated by the depth of the water, 
tides, position, etc. As the anchor drops lower, 
booms are rigged out, National Ensign hoisted at 



32 The American Battleship in Commission 

the stern, the Union Jack run up at the bow, all 
necessary boats lowered, gangways shipped, and 
once more the port routine is in evidence. 

After completing a long voyage the ship is more 
or less disordered. Side-cleaners go over the side 
and scrub all paint-work with soap and water. The 
ship is soon coaled up and all other necessary stores 
laid in. 

After coaling, the ship is given a thorough clean- 
ing from stem to stern. All boat gear, movable 
articles about the deck, etc., are broken out and 
given a good scrubbing. When all these operations 
have been completed the ship is once more neat 
and clean, to the satisfaction and relief of all 
hands. 

All bright work about the ship is shined up, 
clean bags and hammocks are given out to the men, 
the dirty ones being scrubbed and turned in. The 
ship is touched up with paint where needed. When 
the ship is clean and in good order the crew is given 
liberty. 

The liberty party goes ashore in watches or sec- 
tions, each member of the crew belonging to a cer- 
tain watch and liberty section. The liberty sec- 
tions are composed from different parts of the ship's 
crew, so as to equalize the work among the men 
left aboard. A party of bluejackets going ashore 
represent the picture of happiness, as each is togged 



Daily Routine 



OJ 



out In his best and is in for a good time. They do 
not disappoint themselves cither. 

After taps has gone the ship appears to be de- 
serted, as everything is as quiet as a mouse, there 
being no one about the ship except the quartermaster, 

sentries, anchor watch, and the few men on watch 
in the engineer's department. 

DAILV ROUTINE 

The routine aboard ship is regulated as system- 
atically as a clock. At 5:00 a.m. "reveille " is 

blown by the bugler, and all hands, except the few 

who have stood a night watch, turn out, dress, and 
lash and stow away the hammocks, which must be 
accomplished within ten minutes. Those who have 
stood a night watch sleep in until seven. From 

5:ioa.m. to 5 130 a.m. hot coffee or cocoa is served 

out to the crew from their respective messes. At 
5:30 A.M. "turn to" goes, and all hands go about 

their special duties. Decks, paint-work, boat gear, 
etc., are scrubbed and cleaned, all of which work is 

regulated by the morning order-book. At 6:45 a.m. 

the decks are washed down and dried and the 
about the decks stowed away in the proper places. 

At 7:00 a.m. the morning work is about completed 

and the crew commence to wash up and get ready 
for breakfast. At 7:20 A.M. "mess gear* 1 is 
"piped," and the niessmen lower the mess tables, 



34 The American Battleship in Commission 

set up benches, and lay out the breakfast. At 
7:30 A.M. breakfast is ready, and each member of 
the crew goes to his respective mess and eats. No 
one ever forgets the number of his mess — it is too 
important. 

At 7:50 A.M. first call to " colors M sounds; also 
band call. The band assembles aft on the quarter- 
deck. At 8:00 A.M. the band plays colors. Old 
Glory is then hoisted, and all hands on the upper 
decks stand at attention facing the flag. As the 
band finishes playing the salute is given. 

At 8:30 A.M. sick call is sounded, and those 
wishing to visit the doctor go down to the sick-bay 
and tell their troubles. 

At 9:00 A.M. the crew wind up their work and 
clear up the decks for quarters. All gear about 
the decks is carefully stowed away or made up, and 
the decks given a thorough sweeping. The crew 
now shift into clean clothes ready for quarters. 

At 9:25 A.M. the officers call to quarters is 
sounded, and the crew go to their respective divi- 
sions dressed neatly and cleanly. 

At 9:30 A.M. quarters is sounded and the divi- 
sion officer inspects his division and reports to the 
executive officer. 

Shortly after quarters retreat and drill call is 
sounded, the drills varying according to the order 
of the day. 



Daily Routine 35 

At 10:30 A.M. retreat from the drill. The crew 
are now generally at leisure until 1 130 P.M. 

At 11:00 A.M. band call is sounded and the 
band assembled for practice. 

At 11:50 A.M. "mess gear " is piped, and at 
12 :oo M. dinner is piped, and crew sit down to eat. 

At 1 :oo P.M. " turn to " is piped and the decks 
are swept down At 1 -.30 P.M. drill call is sounded, 
and at 2 :30 P.M. retreat from drill. 

But little work is done for the remainder of the day. 

At 5 :oo P M. evening quarters is had. At 5 :20 
P.M. " mess gear " is piped, and 5 -.30 P.M. the sup- 
per is piped down. 

Ten minutes before sundown first call to " colors" 
and band call is sounded. At 7:00 P.M. band call 
is sounded. On some evenings the band plays for 
the crew and on others for the officers. 

At 7:30 P.M. the call " hammocks" is blown, 
and the crew line up alongside the hammock net- 
tings where the hammocks are stowed, and when 
the boatswain's mates pipe down the hammocks are 
taken out of the nettings. Then the owners take 
them below and swing them on the hammock 
hooks, the number of the hook and that of the 
hammock corresponding. 

At 8:00 P.M. the carpenter, gunner, sail-maker, 
master-at-arms, and captain of the hold report ev- 
erything secure in their respective departments. 



36 The American Battleship in Commission 

At 8:50 P.M. first call is sounded, and all those 
who have not yet turned in do so. All unneces- 
sary lights about the ship are extinguished. 

At 9:00 P.M. taps are blown and all hands turn 
in their hammocks except those on watch. The 
master-at-arms goes through the ship reporting all 
secure. When with a fleet the senior ship fires a 
nine-o'clock gun. 

DRILLS OF THE WEEK 

The drills aboard ship vary considerably, accord- 
ing to the weather and other circumstances. As a 
general rule, the important drills occur on certain 
days of the week, and when these drills are taking 
place, nearly all other work is suspended. 

Monday morning the quarters and small-arm drill 
takes place. Members of the crew are put through 
the manual of arms on the upper decks. In the 
afternoon boat drill is held and all boats are low- 
ered, the crew going out for either sailing or row- 
ing purposes. 

Tuesday morning is devoted to quarters and bat- 
talion drill. All members of the battalion equip 
themselves for heavy marching order, where they 
all muster on the quarter-deck. In the afternoon 
signal drill is held, members of the crew practicing 









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Drills of the Week 37 

with each other. All members of the seamen 
branch must be proficient in signaling. Should the 
weather and other conditions be unfavorable, all 
minor drills are subject to change. 

Wednesday morning the quarters and fire drill 
is held. From this drill no one is excused, although 
in the minor drills several are excused. These are 
principally artificers, engineer's force, etc. 

Wednesday afternoon is sewing and mending day, 
and should the weather be fair, Jack breaks out his 
bag of clothes and gives them an airing and an 
overhauling. 

Thursday morning, quarters and general quar- 
ters. Every person aboard ship has a station at 
this drill. In the afternoon sword exercise is held. 
Members of the crew are given single sticks or 
wooden swords, with which they learn to be on the 
offensive or defensive. 

Friday morning quarters and collision drill is 
held. Great promptness is displayed in this drill, 
all compartments, etc., are closed, and the collision 
mat is thrown overboard and drawn over the imag- 
inary hole. In the afternoon arm and away is held. 
The ship's boats leave the ship with an armed par- 
ty for landing or boarding purposes. 



38 The American Battleship in Commission 

Saturday is a general field day, and no drills or 
routine of any kind excepting evening quarters is 
held. The ship is given a thorough cleaning up, so 
as to have her ready for the regular Sunday morn- 
ing inspection. In the afternoon there is but little 
work going on. The ship is touched up with paint 
where needed, and the inclosed decks are freshly 
shellaced. 

Sunday morning the ship is given an extra touch- 
ing up, all bright work is highly polished, and at 
quarters the crew muster in their best clothes. 

The captain and executive go through the entire 
ship, inspecting the crew, all store-rooms, com- 
partments, etc. 

After inspection the crew are at leisure until 
Monday morning. There are always a certain 
number of men on watch at all times, such as elec- 
tricians, quartermasters, marines, and members of 
the engineer's force. Their watches are so regu- 
lated that each one has certain days off duty. 

DESCRIPTION OF DRILLS 

Fire DrilL Located in different parts of the ship 
are many fire-plugs, reels of hose, nozzles, and fire- 
axes. The instant the fire-alarm and location of 
the fire is given all hands rush to their allotted sta- 
tions, each one being detailed to perform certain 



Description of Drills 39 

duties. The smotherers run to the hammock net- 
tings, each grabbing a hammock with which to 
smother the fire. Extra pressure is put on the fire- 
main, fire-hoses are coupled up, and in a short time 
there are several streams of water available. Down 
in the engine-room are huge fire-pumps which sup- 
ply all the necessary water. Salt water is used for 
fire purposes. After "secure" is sounded, every- 
thing is restowed and secured. Electric gongs are 
placed throughout the ship to give the alarm about 
the decks. All our large ships are built of metal 
throughout, and what little woodwork is used in the 
interior is made fireproof by treating it with certain 
chemicals. In case of fire all unused compartments 
are promptly closed, thus confining the danger. 

Abandoning Ship. Every person aboard ship is 
detailed to the ship's boats. These are small boats 
of which a sufficient number is carried to accommo- 
date the entire crew in case it should be necessary 
for them to abandon the ship. No one is excused 
from this drill, except the few men on watch. 
Each one is detailed to assist and provide for his 
respective boat. Some get water, others provi- 
sions, cook-stove, arms, ammunition, mess gear, 
etc. Breakers of water are kept carefully stowed 
in the main hold, where they are in readiness for an 
emergency. The paymaster throws open his store- 



40 The American Battleship in Commission 

rooms, where all necessary provisions can be pro- 
cured. 

Each boat contains a boat-box, in which are tools, 
fishing-gear, nails, strips of lead, etc. Often when 
the boats are provided the crew get into them and 
row away from the ship, leaving only a few persons 
aboard. 

Each boat is in charge of an officer, and when the 
boats return to the ship they are inspected so as to 
ascertain whether they have been properly provided. 

General Quarters. This drill is one of the most 
important held aboard ship. It is generally held 
once a week, and the same maneuvers are practised 
as though the ship were in action. All magazine 
doors and hatches open up under the armored deck 
where the ammunition hoists are located. There 
is a complete system of trolleys which lead from 
the magazines to the different ammunition hoists. 
The ammunition is sent to the different ammuni- 
tion hoists when needed for the guns. 

The ship's largest guns, which are mounted in 
turrets, have the magazines facing the lower part of 
the turret, which is known as the handling-room. 

The ammunition is trolleyed out from the mag- 
azines, put in the loading car, and sent up to 
the big guns. The instant general quarters is 
sounded all hands rush to their allotted stations 



Description of Drills 41 

"double time." Everything seems to be in con- 
fusion, but such is not the case. In a few minutes 
there is a continuous stream of ammunition being 
forwarded to the guns. Battle-hatches are battered 
down, unused compartments closed, and everything 
is ready for action. Upon deck the guns are ma- 
neuvered as though in real action, torpedo attacks 
are repelled, and the imaginary enemy put out of 
commission. 

At drill dummy cartridges are used in the smaller 
guns. Sometimes a wooden frame, with which the 
six, seven, and eight inch guns' crew drill, is put 
up. At one end a regulation breech-plug mechan- 
ism is attached. All loading maneuvers are prac- 
ticed as if an actual battle were taking place. By 
using these different appliances the gun is saved 
much wear and tear. 

Regular drills develop perfect team work, and 
when the guns are in action, either on the target 
range or in battle, perfect team work is essential, 
because if one man of the gun's crew should delay 
in performing his particular duty, the whole gun 
crew would be delayed. 

After "secure" has sounded everything is re- 
stowed, magazines are secured, and the keys re- 
turned to the captain. The keys of the magazines 
can be secured only with the special permission of 
the captain. 



42 The American Battleship in Commission 

Battalion Drill. Many persons are unaware of 
the fact that members of the Navy are soldiers as 
well as sailors. 

All ships have a battalion, which consists of every 
available man aboard. The battalion is used for 
landing purposes. Should any trouble arise ashore 
and Uncle Sam's interests are in jeopardy, the bat- 
talion is sent ashore fully armed and equipped and 
prepared for any emergencies that may arise. 

A battleship can land three hundred men or 
more, and still have men enough left aboard to op- 
erate the ship. Where a fleet of warships is lying 
together a large force of men could be landed if 
necessary. 

At drill the battalion musters on the quarter-deck 
fully equipped for marching order. Each man car- 
ries a haversack, canteen, arms, and ammunition. 
The haversack contains blankets, poncho, shifts of 
clothing, pair of shoes, toilet gear, and mess kit. 
The haversack and canteen are thrown over the 
shoulders. Each member of the battalion wears 
leggings. 

In the battalion are the pioneers, consisting of the 
carpenter's gang; each member carries a set of 
tools. 

The "color" guard march with the "color" 
bearers protecting Old Glory. A couple of three- 
inch field-pieces and other small machine guns are 



Description of Drills 43 

also attached to the battalion, so that in case of 
trouble ashore a formidable landing party can be 
sent. 

A battalion can be kept ashore for a month or 
more if necessary. There have been several in- 
stances where a battalion has been landed for ac- 
tion, and it has always performed its duty. 

It is a very imposing sight to witness a battalion 
of marines and bluejackets fully equipped march- 
ing around the decks to martial music. 

The medical department is also represented in 
the battalion. When convenient, the battalion is 
taken ashore and drilled. 

Clear Ship for Action. This drill involves a great 
deal of labor, as the ship is stripped as though in 
action. All stanchions, davits, awnings, chests, 
etc., are cleared away so as to give the guns a clear 
sweep. All chests, mess tables, and benches are 
marked " O. B. M and stowed away. All articles 
marked " O. B." would be thrown overboard in 
time of action, thus reducing the danger of flying 
splinters, etc., during battle. 

When the ship is stripped for action she looks 
somewhat like a bare tree, as there are no obstruc- 
tions or gear of any kind about the decks. 

After the drill is over the ship is rigged up again, 
and after several hours of toil she again displays a 



44 The American Battleship in Commission 

peaceful appearance. No battleship, however, 
could properly be termed peaceful when one real- 
izes that within a few minutes she could be hurling 
several half-ton shells through the air. A thirteen- 
inch shell weighs eleven hundred pounds. 

When going on the range for target practice the 
ship is also cleared for action. 

Target Practice. The good shooting records 
made by the ships of the Navy have been brought 
up to the highest standard of perfection. Gun- 
pointers of the Navy are appointed from the crew. 
In these appointments no favoritism is shown, and 
anyone is eligible, whether it be the ship's cook or 
the chief boatswain's mate. Men who can shoot 
straight are wanted, and Uncle Sam surely has them. 
By rating anyone who can shoot well a gun-pointer 
the Navy is benefited in many respects. 

A large number of the crew are qualified to shoot 
the big guns. Should war occur, the gun-pointers 
and other enlisted men of the Navy who remain in 
civil life after the expiration of their service would 
come to the front if needed. With the large fleet 
of converted cruisers and other craft which would 
be commissioned, their services would be of great 
value owing to their previous training. 

It is not only the gun-pointer alone who is valu- 
able, but several hundred other men are stationed at 



Description of Drills 45 

the different parts of the ship. Each of these has 
some specific duty to perform. 

Official target practice is now held once a year. 
During this target practice the range, speed, etc., 
are carefully marked out. Much preliminary target 
practice is also held. This includes firing at long 
range, firing at night, etc. 

The expense attached to target practice is enor- 
mous, as the wear and tear of the guns and the 
ship in general costs a great deal of money. This 
expense does not include, however, the actual cost 
of material used at target practice ; still, the end 
justifies the means. 

Preparation for target practice involves a great 
deal of labor and patience. A couple of months 
before the regular target practice, the guns are 
rigged up for subcaliber practice. Through a sys- 
tem of swinging targets, etc., the guns are manipu- 
lated and the subcaliber rifle fired. This particular 
form of target practice is known among the crew 
as " ping-pong." Those who make the best score 
at ping-pong are chosen to shoot the big guns at 
target practice. Those making the best score with 
the big guns are appointed gun-pointers. In some 
instances the score made by the " ping-pongers M 
has been so good that it was a difficult matter to 
appoint the gun-pointers from among them. 

The target for the large guns is about fourteen by 



46 The American Battleship in Commission 

twenty feet, and the range is generally two thou- 
sand yards or more. The target is set up on a raft- 
like arrangement which is securely moored. The 
range is carefully marked off by three flags directly 
in line with each other, the center flag being in 
front of the target. 

The ship speeds past the range at twelve knots, 
and just as the ship comes abreast of the first flag 
the whistle is blown. This is the signal to com- 
mence firing. Everything is in readiness for the 
guns to be fired, and as the whistle toots there is a 
great noise and roar heard as the shell speeds 
through the air. The gun is now fired continu- 
ously, the gun-pointers trying to make as many 
shots and hits as possible. When the whistle toots 
the firing must cease. This particular form of 
shooting is called "a string." 

As the ship comes abreast the third flag the 
whistle toots again. This is the signal to cease fir- 
ing. The ship always makes the same speed on the 
range, so the time occupied in passing is about the 
same at all times. The center flag informs the offi- 
cers and crew when half the distance has been passed. 

The admiral appoints a board of officers to take 
charge of the official target practice. They go 
aboard each ship which goes on the range and keep 
an accurate account of all shots, time, speed, etc., 
and thus no partiality is shown to any ship. 



Description of Drills 47 

President Theodore Roosevelt presented to the 
Navy a prize known as the Gunnery Trophy. This 
prize goes to the ship making the best score at tar- 
get practice each season. It is a perpetual prize. 
Should the ship holding it be beaten next target 
season, it would be transferred to the winner. 
Each ship winning it has her name inscribed on the 
trophy, a space being provided for the purpose. 
Great rivalry exists among the ships for the win- 
ning of this much-coveted prize. 

It is a fascinating sight to see a twelve- or thir- 
teen-inch gun spit out a great volume of fire and 
hurl the shell through the air. When the guns are 
fired the ship trembles as though she had run into 
a bank of dough and forced herself through. The 
shell seems to cut a great hole through the air as it 
is speeding toward the target. When the shell 
strikes the target there is an outburst of applause 
from all spectators. 

When one batch of guns have ceased firing on 
the range, everything is restowed and the crews 
come up on deck to take in the excitement. It 
seems that the sporting blood of each man aboard 
ship is concentrated, for when a bull's-eye is made 
a great and mighty cheer is given simultaneously. 

When in line of the target, shells from six-inch 
and up can be plainly discerned with the naked eye 
as they speed on their course. 



48 The American Battleship in Commission 

When a large-caliber gun has been fired, there is 
a tremendous roar as the shell strikes the water. 
It throws up a volume of water exactly like a large 
water-spout. A couple of miles distant another 
splash can be seen ; then one or two more, and that 
is the wind-up. 

Great precautions are exercised at target practice, 
as the magazines are open, ammunition is lying 
about, etc. Both officers and men take great pride 
in making a good score at target practice, as it is 
the result of many months of patience and toil. 

The general motto of the Navy is " Only the 
shots that hit count." It surely takes a great num- 
ber of hits to win the Gunnery Trophy, 

Collision Drill. When the alarm is given, all 
hands rush to their allotted stations " double time." 
Compartments and water-tight doors are closed and 
hand-pumps rigged, etc. On our latest types of 
warships all the main water-tight doors are closed 
automatically ; a whistle or bell gives the warning 
signal to stand clear of the doors. This gives the 
crew ample time to keep clear of the doors as they 
are closed. 

Up on deck a collision mat is kept stowed in a 
handy place where it can be easily procured. This 
mat is thrown overboard, and through a system of 
ropes and chains it is hauled over the imaginary 







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Description of Drills 49 

hole. Were there a real puncture the suction of 
the water would draw the mat over the hole and 
thus prevent the water from entering. The whole 
ship is a mass of bulkheads of all sizes and descrip- 
tions, and should a hole be made in the ship, the 
danger would be quickly confined. In addition to 
these bulkheads the ship has a complete double 
bottom, which extends along the entire length of 
the ship. 

A collision mat is about sixteen feet square, and 
looks like a sheepskin. It is made of short rope 
tufts sewed closely together on heavy canvas. 

Other Drills. Many other drills take place on 
board ship. These include arm and away, small 
arms, signal, battery, sword, and setting-up exer- 
cises. The deck force is drilled regularly with 
small arms, thus making them proficient. Often 
the entire crew are landed in sections, and partici- 
pate in the small-arm target practice. Each mem- 
ber of the crew fires a certain number of rounds 
from a rifle and pistol. 

Signal drill is often held. Members of the sea- 
men branch must be well trained in signaling. 

Battery drill is also often held, and the guns are 
trained and manipulated as though in action. The 
guns of a warship are always ready for action. Upon 
opening a couple of valves and starting the ammu- 



5o The American Battleship in Commission 

nition on its way, the guns are then ready for any 
emergency. 

Setting-up exercises are given to the whole crew 
immediately after quarters, and it lasts for only 
about five minutes. 

The most realistic drill of all is coaling ship. 
This is classed as a drill and reality combined. 
Coaling ship is the most disagreeable task in the 
Navy, because while the coaling is taking place the 
whole ship is half covered with coal-dust. Our new 
ships have many modern coaling devices which re- 
duce the labor, time, and inconvenience of coaling. 
The large ships have a bunker capacity of from one 
to two thousand tons. 

Many ships can take in over one hundred tons 
of coal an hour if the coaling conditions are favor- 
able. The different coal-bunkers have large bunker- 
plates, which are removed, and the coal is dumped 
into them. Some of the bunkers have coaling- 
shutes which extend upward through the upper 
deck. This tends to greatly facilitate matters. 

When the coaling is completed all coaling-gear 
is restored. The ship is then washed down and 
scrubbed thoroughly. 

Most coaling is done from colliers or lighters 
which come alongside the ship. In many of the 
foreign ports the Navy has its own supply of coal, 
which is of the best quality. Should a ship be or- 



Description of Drills 51 

dered home from a far-off port, the bunkers are 
filled to their utmost capacity and a deck-load of 
coal is carried. The deck coal is placed in bags 
and is the first to be used. 

Generally when a warship is ordered to sea she 
takes the least traveled route, and should a dere- 
lict or disabled vessel be sighted, aid would be given 
promptly. In time of war the supplying of coal to 
the various warships is a problem. Many patent 
devices have been tried for coaling from a collier 
at sea, but the weather and other conditions must 
be favorable to transfer any great amount of coal. 
Should the day arrive when warships will use oil 
for fuel, there will be joy in the hearts of many 
bluejackets. 



CHAPTER III 

THE CREW AND THEIR DUTIES — RATE AND PAY 
OF EVERY ENLISTED MAN — OPPORTUNI- 
TIES — ENLISTMENT — SAILOR'S DUDS — 
AMUSEMENTS AND PASTIMES — 
MAN-O'-WAR LINGO 

THE CREW AND THEIR DUTIES 

THE following descriptions will give a good 
idea of the duties required of each member of 
the crew. Our armored cruisers and battle- 
ships carry a crew of from five to eight hundred and 
fifty men, according to the size of the ship, and the 
amount of work performed daily to keep the ship 
in trim is enormous. 

The Navy regulations are such that each mem- 
ber of the crew is cognizant of the duties expected 
of him. The term "crew" refers to the enlisted 
men, the ship's complement including both men 
and officers. The list of rates given in these lists 
are sectioned off so as to enable the reader to as- 
certain to what department of the ship the men are 
assigned. 



The Crew and Their Duties 53 

engineer's department 
Machinist % s Mates stand regular watches at sea 
and work about the machinery of the ship when in 
port. A machinist with no previous sea service on 
first enlisting is rated second-class, and later on, 
when more proficient, is rated first-class, and thence 
to chief. A chief machinist's mate often stands 
a throttle watch and has other important duties 
to perform. 

Water-teytders are in charge of the fire-room. 
At sea two or three are usually on watch. These 
see to it that the proper amount of steam is kept 
up, that the boilers are fed with water, and that 
other details are attended to. Water-tenders are 
promoted from firemen. There are two rates, first- 
class and chief. 

Oilers stand a regular watch in the engine-room 
both at sea and in port. At sea they oil the ma- 
chinery regularly and take care that no bearings run 
hot. Nearly all of the machinery is oiled automat- 
ically by self-feeders which are worked by a system 
of small tubes leading from the oil-reservoirs to the 
different bearings. In port oilers stand a regular 
auxiliary watch, attending to the pumping and as- 
sisting in general. There is but one rate of oiler, 
and he also is promoted from fireman. 



54 The American Battleship in Commission 

Boiler-makers perform all necessary work on the 
boilers. After a ship has arrived in port from a 
voyage considerable work is done on the boilers. 
Old grate-bars, bridge-walls, gaskets, etc., are re- 
placed. Many of our ships with high-pressure 
boilers have a working pressure of two hundred and 
fifty pounds of steam. There is but one rate of 
boiler-maker. 

Blacksmith. The engineer's department carries 
one blacksmith, who performs all the smithing work 
for that department. Many ships are equipped 
with a modern blacksmith shop. The forge-blast 
is operated by electrical power. The majority of 
the repairs aboard ship are done by the officers and 
the crew. Should all the repair work be done by 
private shipyards, the naval appropriation would no 
doubt have to be doubled. 

Coppersmith. The coppersmith, blacksmith, and 
boiler-maker are enlisted first-class direct, as there 
is but one rate of each of these. The ship is one 
mass of copper pipes. All suction and supply 
pipes from the pumps, condensers, and other ma- 
chinery are made of copper. This is because it is 
more suited to the purposes to which it is put on a 
ship, and also because it is more durable. Many of 
the pipes have salt water circulating through them, 



The Crew and Their Duties 55 

and were they not made of copper they would soon 
deteriorate. 

Firemen keep up steam in the boilers. At sea 
they, with the rest of the engineer's department, 
are divided into steaming watches. As a rule the 
men are divided into four watches, which give them 
more time off duty. 

There are two rates of firemen, first-class and 
second-class. Firemen with experience are enlisted 
direct, but the majority are rated up from coal- 
passers. 

Coal-passers trolley the coal from the bunkers to 
the fires, each one supplying a certain number of 
fires with coal. All bunkers are equipped with a 
complete trolley system, the coal being shoveled 
into iron buckets, which are trolleyed on to the 
firemen. At the end of each watch fires are cleaned, 
ashes hoisted and dumped, and everything in the 
fire-room is turned over to the relief watch in good 
shape. 

carpenter's gang 

Carpenter s Mates repair all the woodwork of the 
ship. There are four rates: chief, first-class, sec- 
ond-class, and third-class. 

Each ship is allowed a certain number of men 



56 The American Battleship in Commission 

of each rate, and, with so many of the crew com- 
ing and going, there are many vacancies, which 
are generally filled by promoting members of the 
crew. 

Shipfitters have a complete knowledge of the 
ship. They perform all riveting and other iron 
work on the ship outside of the engineers depart- 
ment. Upon first enlisting they are rated second- 
class, and later on they are rated first-class. 

Shipwrights perform duties similar to those of 
the carpenter's mates. When vacancies occur they 
are promoted to the higher rates. Many of the 
rates in the Navy are divided into three or four 
grades, thus creating many opportunities for ad- 
vancement. 

Painters also are employed on the ship. In the 
paint locker all necessary paints are stowed and 
mixed ready for use. 

Uncle Sam takes great pride in having his ships 
kept scrupulously clean, both within and without. 
The painters mix and serve out all necessary paints, 
besides performing all skilled labor, such as retouch- 
ing the figurehead, lettering, etc. 

There are three rates of painters : first-class, sec- 
ond-class, and third-class. 



The Crew and Their Duties 57 

Plumber. There is enough piping aboard a mod- 
ern battleship to install a water-works in a good 
sized city. The flanges and other joints of the vari- 
ous pipe-lines are painted in different colors, so as 
to enable one to quickly ascertain the different 
lines. The plumber performs all duties pertaining 
to his profession. There is but one rate of plumber. 

DECK FORCE 

Master s-at- Arms are to the ship what a police force 
is to a city. There are four rates : chief, first-class, 
second-class, and third-class. Masters-at-arms are 
responsible for mast-call, prisoners, and all parts of 
the enclosed decks where the crew eat. The mas- 
ter-at-arms is always on duty. After taps has 
sounded he makes the rounds of the ship and re- 
ports everything secure. 

Boatswain s Mates do duty about the upper decks 
of the ship, each division having one or more. 
They carry long silver whistles, or pipes, which are 
blown according to a certain code of signals. 

The deck hands are divided into divisions, which 
are assigned to certain sections of the ship. They 
are held responsible for their respective divisions. 
In this way each division supervises a certain part 
of the ship. There are three rates of boatswain's 
mates : chief, first-class, and second-class. 



58 The American Battleship in Commission 

Coxswains are detailed to take charge of the 
ship's boats, each boat having one. They, with 
the rest of the boats' crews, keep their respective 
boats neat and clean. The boats are used fre- 
quently when in port for drilling purposes, etc. 

Coxswains are promoted from seamen, and the 
next advancement is to that of boatswain's mate. 
All the higher rates in the seamen branch are filled 
by promoting members of the crew holding lower 
ratings. 

Quartermasters stand a regular watch on the 
bridge, both while at sea and when in port. At 
sea they keep a keen lookout, sending and receiv- 
ing all signals promptly. In port they keep a sharp 
lookout and report all passing vessels, signals, etc. 
Their ability is displayed in sending and receiving 
signals. 

All signal flags are placed in lockers on the bridge, 
and are ready for instant use. There are four rates 
of quartermasters: chief, first-class, second-class, 
and third-class. They are promoted from sea- 
men. 

Seamen: Ordinary Seamen and Apprentice Seamen 
are of three distinct rates. Upon first enlisting in 
the seamen branch a recruit who has no profession 
is rated apprentice seaman. After going through 



The Crew and Their Duties 59 

several courses of training he is gradually promoted 
to the higher ranks. 

Previous to 1905 apprentice seamen were known 
and enlisted as landsmen. At the same time their 
title was changed and the enlisting of apprentice 
boys was abolished. 

Sail-ntaker s Mate has charge of all the canvas 
work of the ship. This includes bags, hammocks, 
awnings, steam-launch covers, etc. Twice a month 
clean bags and hammocks are served out to the 
crew, and the dirty ones are scrubbed and turned 
in to the sail-maker's mate. There is but one rate 
of sail-makers mate. 

ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT 
Gunner s Mates are in charge of the different bat- 
teries, magazines, and other ordnance appliances to 
which they may be assigned. Members of the crew 
are detailed to the different guns just as the regular 
gun crews. 

The guns and all the accessories are kept in per- 
fect order. The interior of the guns, including all 
the breech mechanism, is kept perfectly bright. 
The gun's crew keep them in order. There are 
four rates of gunner's mate : chief, first-class, sec- 
ond-class, and third-class. 

Turret Captains are detailed for duty in the tur- 



6o The American Battleship in Commission 

rets only. They have a thorough technical knowl- 
edge of the guns and are in charge of the turret. 
A turret captain is next in command to the turret 
officer. Should anything happen to the turret 
officer, the turret captain takes charge. They also 
act as drill instructors and drill the gun's crew 
when necessary. 

There are two rates of turret captain, chief and 
first-class. 

PAY DEPARTMENT 

A Commissary Steward caters to the crew's mess. 
The crew have a general mess. The food is 
brought from the galley to the mess tables by the 
messmen. The commissary steward goes ashore 
daily when convenient and purchases the necessary 
provisions and supplies. 

The proper amount of rations are served out to 
the cooks. Each member of the crew is allowed a 
certain amount of fresh bread, meat, etc., each 
day. The Navy ration is nine dollars per month, 
and all of this is spent for food only. All labor, 
cooking utensils, etc., are furnished gratis. 

Ship's Cooks do the cooking for the crew only. 
The ship is equipped with a large modern galley. 
In the galley is a long row of continuous ranges 
and several large coppers which are used for boil- 



The Crew and Their Duties 61 

ing and cooking purposes. All cooking in the 
coppers is done by steam. 

A regular bill of fare is given the cooks by the 
commissary steward. Each mess lives on the same 
fare, and no one is allowed to contribute any mess 
money. In this way all of the crew fare alike. 
Should the meal be a poor one, improperly cooked, 
etc., members of the crew take a sample of it to 
the officer of the deck, where the complaint is at- 
tended to. 

Bakers are also carried aboard the ship, and their 
services are very much in demand. In order to 
realize this, one needs but to consider the amount 
of fresh bread consumed in a single day by six 
hundred or more men. 

The baker has a modern bake-oven and bake- 
shop for making bread and pastries. When in 
port the fresh bread is generally purchased ashore. 
There are two rates of bakers, first-class and sec- 
ond-class. 

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 
Hospital Stewards have charge of the sick-bay, 
or ship's hospital. They carry out the doctor's 
orders appertaining to the treatment of the patients 
and other routine. Hospital stewards are well 
versed in pharmacy. There is only one rate of 
hospital steward. 



62 The American Battleship in Commission 

Hospital Apprentices attend to all minor details 
of the sick-bay, serve out medicine, take tempera- 
tures, and assist in general. Members of the med- 
ical department are sent ashore with the battalion 
with the necessary medical appliances. There are 
two rates of hospital apprentices, first-class and 
hospital apprentice. 

CLERICAL FORCE 

Yeomen are assigned to the different departments 
of the ship. Each department has one or more ; 
this, however, does not include the medical depart- 
ment. All clerical duties of this department are 
performed by the hospital steward. Pay, equip- 
ment, engineer's department, admiral, captain, ex- 
ecutive, and navigator each have one yeoman or 
more to perform all the necessary clerical work. 

There are a great many log-books, accounts, 
records, etc., kept aboard ship. 

There are four rates of yeomen : chief, first-class, 
second-class, and third-class. Members of the crew 
are often rated yeomen when found qualified. 

Printers are carried mostly aboard flag-ships. 
They have a complete printing-press with which 
all necessary matter is printed. Band programs, 
fleet orders, etc., from the admiral are printed. 
Many of the big ships print a weekly or monthly 




< 



The Crew and Their Duties 63 

paper aboard ship. This is devoted to the in- 
terests of the crew. There is but one rate of 
printer. 

OTHER RATES 

Electricians stand regular watches, because the 
dynamos are operated both day and night. On 
our latest ships blowers, cranes, gun turrets, etc., 
are operated by electric power. The dynamo-room 
is located in a separate compartment below the ar- 
mored deck. The ship contains a mass of electri- 
cal appliances, all of which are kept in perfect con- 
dition. Members of the gang are assigned to repair 
work, while others stand regular watches. 

There are four rates of electricians : chief, first- 
class, second-class, and third-class. 

Buglers stand a regular watch, and blow all calls 
which are ordered by the officer on watch. Each 
drill is quickly recognized by the notes of the 
bugle. At sea the bugler's duties are very light, 
as but few calls are blown. There is but one rate 
of bugler. 

Bandmaster is in charge of the ship's band. The 
ship carries a band of sixteen pieces. It plays part 
of the time for the crew and at other times for the 
officers. The bandmaster ranks as a chief petty 
officer, and is leader of the band. 



64 The American Battleship in Commission 

Bandsman. Many of the ships have a crack band, 
and particularly when the ship is at sea it is quite 
a treat to go up on deck and listen to the band con- 
cert. Members of the band are proficient with 
stringed instruments. There are two rates of bands- 
men, first-class and second-class. 

Marines, consisting of about sixty-five men, are 
carried aboard. They have their regular quota of 
sergeants and corporals. Marines stand sentry 
watches about the ship and are also assigned to 
several of the ship's intermediate guns. The Marine 
Corps is a distinct branch of the service, but is part 
of the Navy. 

Cooks, Stewards, and Mess Attendants are of three 
separate rates. The admiral, captain, ward-room, 
junior officers', and warrant officers' mess have their 
regular allowance of cooks, stewards, and mess at- 
tendants. The officers' standard of living is regu- 
lated by the mess money subscribed. 

EXTRA RATES 

There are many extra rates in the Navy which 
entitle the holder thereof to extra pay in addition 
to his regular monthly pay. 

Gun-pointers receive ten, eight, six, four, and 
two dollars a month extra. This is regulated ac- 
cording to the class of the gun-pointer. No doubt 



The Crew and Their Duties 65 

the wonderful shooting records made by the ships 
of the Navy have been brought about by this rate. 

Captains of the Hold are appointed from seamen 
and receive five dollars a month extra. They have 
charge of the ship's main hold, where anchor-gear, 
hawsers, and other nautical gear are stored. Should 
the boatswain send down for a certain article, the 
captain of the hold would be supposed to fill the 
order. The captain of the hold also keeps account 
of the water used outside of the engineer's depart- 
ment. 

Lamplighters are appointed from apprentice sea- 
men. A supply of spare lanterns, side lights, etc., 
is carried. This is to provide for an emergency 
should the electric lights fail, etc. Lamplighters 
also attend to the portable lamps on deck. Their 
extra pay is five dollars a month. 

Signal-men first-class receive three dollars extra. 
Second-class signal-men receive two dollars extra. 
They are expert in sending and receiving signals 
quickly and accurately. They work on the bridge 
together with the quartermasters. They are ap- 
pointed from ordinary and apprentice seamen. 

Ship's Tailor and Tailor s Helper are also ap- 
pointed from the crew. All clothing issued by the 



66 The American Battleship in Commission 

paymaster is altered and made up free of charge. 
In this way Jack's clothes are sure to fit. There 
are few men aboard ship who do tailoring work for 
themselves. The ship's tailor receives twenty dol- 
lars additional per month. The helper receives 
ten dollars extra per month. 

Jacks-of-the-Dust are detailed from apprentice sea- 
men. They are attached to the pay department 
and assist in issuing small stores, rations, etc. Their 
extra pay is five dollars a month. 

Men detailed for submarine boat duty receive five 
dollars a month extra ; also one dollar a day addi- 
tional thereto when submerged. 

RATE AND PAY OF EVERY ENLISTED MAN 

The following tables give the rate and pay of 
every enlisted man in the Navy. 

Previous to July I, 1903, all chief petty officers 
received from $50.00 to $70.00 a month. This 
was regulated according to the rate of the chief 
petty officer. When an enlisted man gets pro- 
moted to a higher rate he is given an acting ap- 
pointment. After the acting appointment has been 
in force one year, the owner is then recommended 
for a permanent appointment. 

When a chief petty officer receives his permanent 



Rate and Pay of Every Enlisted Man 67 

appointment he is then entitled to the $70.00 a 
month. With all the other rates the pay is the 
same regardless of appointments. 

Under certain conditions petty officers can be 
promoted to a higher rate without a permanent 
appointment. This is done with the approval of 
the Commanding Officer and the Navy Department. 
All these pay tables signify initial pay, for the 
longer one remains in the service the greater is his 
pay. 

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS 

Acting Permanent 

Rate Appointment Appointment 

Pay per month Pay per month 

Chief Master-at-Arms $65.00 $70.00 

Chief Carpenter's Mate 50.00 70.00 

Chief Boatswain's Mate ...... 50.00 70.00 

Chief Yeoman 60.00 70.00 

Chief Gunner's Mate 50.00 70.00 

Commissary Steward 60.00 70.00 

Chief Commissary Steward . . . 70.00 70.00 

Chief Quartermaster 50.00 70.00 

Bandmaster 52.00 70.00 

Chief Machinist's Mate 70.00 70.00 

* Hospital Steward 60.00 60.00 

Chief Water-tender 50.00 70.00 

Chief Electrician 60.00 70.00 

Chief Turret Captain 60.00 70.00 

* Hospital Steward's pay is regulated by Congress. 



68 The American Battleship in Commission 

FIRST-CLASS PETTY OFFICERS 

Rate Pay per month 

Machinist's Mate, first-class .$55.00 

Yeoman, first-class ... 40.00 

Electrician, first-class 50.00 

Master-at-Arms, first-class 40.00 

Boatswain's Mate, first-class 40.00 

Gunner's Mate, first-class , 40.00 

Quartermaster, first-class 40.00 

Carpenter's Mate, first-class.. 40.00 

Coppersmith 55-°° 

Ship-fitter, first-class 55-°° 

Painter, first-class 40.00 

Turret Captain, first-class . 50.00 

Water-tender, first-class . . . . , 40. 00 

Boiler-maker 65. 00 

Blacksmith 50.00 

Plumber and Fitter 45.00 

Sail-maker's Mate 40.00 

First Musician 36.00 

SECOND-CLASS PETTY OFFICERS 

Rate Pay per month 

Master-at-Arms, second-class , . .$35.00 

Machinist's Mate, second-class 40.00 

Electrician, second-class 40.00 

Boatswain's Mate, second-class 35. 00 

Gunner's Mate, second-class 35. 00 

Yeoman, second-class 35. 00 

Carpenter's Mate, second-class 35-°° 

Quartermaster, second-class 35-°° 



Rate and Pay of Every Enlisted Man 69 

Rate Pay per month 

Ship-fitter, second-class $40.00 

Painter, second-class 35. 00 

Oiler 3700 

Printer 35. 00 

THIRD-CLASS PETTY OFFICERS 

Rate Pay per mon 

Carpenter's Mate, third-class $30.00 

Master-at-Arms, third-class 30.00 

Electrician, third-class 30.00 

Gunner's Mate, third-class 30.00 

Painter, third-class 30.00 

Yeoman, third-class 30.00 

Quartermaster, third-class 30.00 

Coxswain 30.00 

Hospital Apprentice, first-class 30.00 

OTHER RATES 

Rate Pay per month 

Seaman $14. 00 

Ordinary Seaman 19.00 

Apprentice Seaman 16.00 

Bugler 30.00 

Fireman, first-class 35-°° 

Fireman, second-class 30.00 

Coal-passer 22.00 

Shipwright 25.00 

Ship's Cook, first-class 55-°° 

Ship's Cook, second-class 40.00 



yo The American Battleship in Commission 

Rate Pay per month 

Ship's Cook, third-class $30.00 

Ship's Cook, fourth-class. 25.00 

Musician, first-class 32. 00 

Musician, second-class 30.00 

Baker, first-class 45.00 

Baker, second-class 35. 00 

Hospital Apprentice 20.00 

Admiral's Cook 50. 00 

Admiral's Steward 60.00 

Cabin Steward 50. 00 

Cabin Cook 45.00 

Ward-room Steward 50.00 

Ward-room Cook 45.00 

Warrant Officers' Steward. . 35-°o 

Warrant Officers' Cook 30.00 

Mess Attendant, first-class 24.00 

Mess Attendant, second-class 20.00 

Mess Attendant, third-class. . . . \ 16.00 

EXTRA RATES * 

Rate Pay per month 

Captain of the Hold $ 5.00 

Jack-of-the-Dust 5.00 

Lamplighter 5.00 

♦There are many extra rates aboard ship that are given to 
the men holding the lower rates. The extra pay is given in 
addition to that of their regular rates. This extra pay demon- 
strates how liberal Uncle Sam is to the enlisted men. The 
men would have to perform these extra duties without any ex- 
tra pay should the Navy Department see fit. 



Rate and Pay of Every Enlisted Man 71 

Rate Pay per month 

Coxswain of Steam Launch $5.00 

Messmen 5. 00 

Signal-man, first-class 3.00 

Signal-man, second-class 2.00 

Signal-man, third-class 1.00 

Ship's Tailor (large ships) 20.00 

Men on submarine boat duty 5.00 

Tailor's Helper (large ships) 10.00 

Heavy Gun-pointers, first-class 10.00 

Heavy Gun-pointers, second-class 6.00 

Intermediate Gun-pointers, first-class 8.00 

Intermediate Gun-pointers, second-class... . 4.00 

Secondary Gun-pointers, first-class 4.00 

Secondary Gun-pointers, second-class 2.00 

THE MARINE CORPS* 

Rate Pay per month 

Sergeant Major $34. 00 to $42.00 

Quartermaster Sergeant 34.00 to 42.00 

Drum Major 25.00 to 33.00 

Gunnery Sergeant 35.00 to 43.00 

First Sergeant 25.00 to 33.00 

Sergeant 18.00 to 26.00 

Corporal 15.00 to 23.00 

Private 13.00 to 21.00 

* Marines receive clothing allowance, and their pay increases 
according to length of service. A regular pay schedule is ar- 
ranged for this purpose. 



72 The American Battleship in Commission 

OPPORTUNITIES 

It is very evident that there are many openings 
in the Navy for the enlisted man. The pay tables 
demonstrate the fact that there are over one hun- 
dred different positions aboard ship. To compare 
the pay of the various rates with those of vocations 
ashore would reveal the fact that those in the Navy 
receive far better pay. Take, for instance, a coal- 
passer or an apprentice seaman. These are the low- 
est paid men aboard ship, from the fact that when 
they enlist they are without trade or profession. 
These men need not hold these low ratings through- 
out their enlistment. Should they have the least 
ambition they would soon be given a higher rate 
and more pay. Should a person in civil life hire 
out as a laborer he can advance no higher. In the 
Navy it is quite different. The Navy enlists these 
raw recruits with the expectation of training them 
for the higher and better paid positions in the 
service. 

Gunner's mates, quartermasters, masters-at-arms, 
boatswain's mates, and many others are gradually 
rated up from apprentice seamen. Firemen, oilers, 
and water-tenders are also rated up from coal- 
passers. 

The chief petty officers of the ship receive seventy 
dollars a month. This pay is regular, and increases 
as long as the person remains in the service. Me- 



Enlistment 73 

chanics in the Navy make far better money than 
those in civil life. At least the author has found 
this to be the case, and he speaks from personal 
experience. There are no dues to pay, strikes, lay- 
offs, pay stopped if sick, looking for work, or any 
of the other hardships that are often encountered 
in civil life. 

Any man can work himself up to the highest 
rates, provided he has the least ambition. Pay 
continues while sick ; medicine and medical attend- 
ance are furnished gratis. 

ENLISTMENT 

The term of enlistment is four years. Some- 
times, when on a foreign station, members of the 
crew are kept overtime for a month or two. When 
a bluejacket is kept overtime he is given twenty- 
five per cent, additional pay for each day held over- 
time. In most cases, however, "short-timers" 
are sent home before their enlistment expires. 
Recruiting officers are located in many of the 
large cities, where recruits are examined and en- 
listed. 

In several of the inland States recruiting parties 
are sent out by the Navy Department to visit the 
smaller towns and cities. As soon as the draft of 
recruits are enlisted, they are sent to the many re- 



74 The American Battleship in Commission 

ceiving-ships and training-stations which are located 
at the different navy-yards. 

A receiving-ship is known as the "guardo," and 
is nothing more nor less than a sailors* boarding- 
house. All unassigned bluejackets are kept on 
the " guardo" until sent to their respective ships. 
A "guardo" represents a busy scene, as the men 
are coming and going at all times. Short-timers 
who are about to be paid off are generally sent to 
the " guardo." 

When a recruit arrives at the guardo or training- 
station, he is equipped with a complete outfit of 
Navy duds. He then takes these to the master-at- 
arms, who marks them with the owner's name. 
The new "salt" now shifts his civilian clothes for 
those of the Navy, and soon wears them just like 
one of the boys. As this is his first experience in 
naval life perhaps he feels rather strange. This 
feeling, however, soon departs, and the recruit soon 
gets used to the sea like the rest of the crew. 

Most of the recruits take to the sea like a duck 
to water. There is seldom a case of chronic sea- 
sickness aboard the ship. When one stows away 
a couple of pounds of "salt horse" and plum-duff 
in his interior, it is a safe bet that it will not be 
wasted. 

Members of the crew, upon being recommended 
by their superior officers, are sent to the different 




be 









x 
H 



Enlistment 75 

naval schools so as to become more proficient in 
naval duties. 

Upon graduation a certificate is given. While 
at the school members draw their regular pay and 
rations. Good-conduct medals are also given to 
members of the crew upon the recommendation of 
the commanding officer. The holder of each medal, 
or bar thereof, receives seventy-five cents a month 
additional pay. 

Upon enlisting, the Shipping Articles are read 
out, while the recruit swears to obey all rules and 
regulations of the naval service. The enlistment 
record is made out in duplicate, one of which is 
forwarded to Washington; the other follows the 
owner wherever he goes for duty. The records are 
under the personal supervision of the executive 
officer. All offences committed, recommendations, 
etc., are carefully entered on the records. 

To Washington is sent a quarterly report on so- 
briety, obedience, ordinance, and proficiency in 
rating. All recommendations, remarks, etc., are 
kept on file at Washington, and in this way every 
detail of an enlisted man's service is recorded. 

When paid off the discharge is made out accord- 
ing to the enlistment record. Should the enlist- 
ment record be of a high average, the discharge 
would be marked accordingly. 

When members of the crew are about to be se- 



76 The American Battleship in Commission 

lected for promotion, a good record is the most 
important factor. Upon the expiration of service 
meals and free transportation to the original place 
of enlistment are given. 

When an honorable discharge is received and the 
person in question enlists within four months from 
date of discharge, he is given four months' pay 
gratis and one dollar and thirty-six cents a month 
additional increase of pay. Should a man re-enlist 
the same day his time expired, the bonus money 
would be given just the same. 

The extra pay is quite an inducement for re- 
enlistments, as in a short time many weary of shore 
life and ship over again in the Navy. When in 
the Navy they are sure of the meal pennant being 
hoisted three times a day without fail. In civil 
life the pennant is sometimes hoisted irregularly. 
Anyone displaying an extraordinary act of bravery, 
such as saving life, etc., is presented with a medal 
by the Navy Department, and a note of this fact is 
made on the owner's enlistment record. One of 
these medals makes promotion easier. 



Sailor's Duds 77 



SAILOR'S DUDS 

The " togs M of old Jack are in a class by them- 
selves. The quality of the materials used in mak' 
ing his clothes is unsurpassed. 

The Navy manufactures a great deal of its own 
clothing, but some of it is let out by contract to 
outsiders. All goods are made of a special quality. 
As similar goods cannot be purchased on the out- 
side, the Navy man has a suit which cannot be 
duplicated. 

On first enlisting, a recruit is furnished with a 
complete outfit of clothing valued at forty-five dol- 
lars. The outfit consists of shoes, white and blue 
hats, white dress, blue dress, and working uniforms. 
Several suits of light and heavy underwear, leg- 
gings, soap, scrubbing-brush, shoe-shining gear, 
mess gear, neckerchief, and knife lanyard are also 
included. A hammock furnished complete is also 
given. In the hammock are a comfortable mattress 
and two blankets. Sleeping in a hammock is 
very comfortable. In warm weather the clews 
are so regulated that the hammock swings flat. 
In cold weather, if the center clews are slackened 
out the hammock will fit snugly to the occupant's 
body. 

Every sailor has a ditty-box, which is a small 
box made of hard wood. The lid is very deep and 



78 The American Battleship in Commission 

contains letters, writing-paper, etc. The tray con- 
tains toilet gear and other trinkets, and the bottom 
contains towel, shoe-brush, and nicknacks which 
only a sailor can accumulate. Any bluejacket can 
pack up and be ready for transfer within, ten min- 
utes if necessary. 

The Navy furnishes the first outfit of clothes; 
all clothing drawn thereafter is charged at cost 
price to the person to whom issued. 

AMUSEMENTS AND PASTIMES 

Many people who are unfamiliar with " man-o'- 
war " life have the opinion that life aboard a war- 
ship is very monotonous. Navy men who remain 
in the service do so from the fact that the service 
offers to them the best pay and general induce- 
ments. The amusements and pastimes aboard ship 
are of such a varied character that it is a difficult 
matter to enumerate all of them. 

By making Navy life congenial to the enlisted 
men the service retains many of them. All flag- 
ships, battleships, and armored cruisers carry a 
band. Evening concerts are given for the crew, 
and they go up on deck to listen to the music. 
Sometimes the sailors dance with each other. 
Athletic sports are greatly encouraged by the Navy 
Department. 

Each year a ship is allowed a certain amount of 



Amusements and Pastimes 79 

money with which to purchase sporting goods. 
Each ship has its own baseball and football teams. 

As nearly all of our ships travel around in fleets, 
a great deal of time is devoted to sporting events. 
A trophy is generally given to the winner when each 
ship plays a series of games. 

Boat-racing is one of the most exciting sports in 
the service. When one ship wishes to challenge 
another for a boat race, the boat to be used is low- 
ered ; this crosses at full speed past the other ship's 
bow. Just as it crosses the bow the coxswain cries 
"toss oars." This is a direct challenge, and should 
the crew of the ship challenged wish to race, they 
would invite the racing boat's crew aboard and 
make arrangements for the same. 

Boxing contests are also very popular, and there 
are a great many expert boxers in the service. 
When it comes to financial backing for the boat race 
or any other sporting event, the crew of the ships 
are always there with the money. 

Plenty of shore-leave is given, and the crew go 
ashore in watches or sections. At meal-time the 
bumboat comes aboard the ship to peddle fruit, 
pastries, etc. 

All forms of card games, checkers, etc., are played, 
but no gambling is allowed. If a member of the 
crew is caught gambling he is severely punished. 

When members of the crew wish to visit other 



So The American Battleship in Commission 

ships a visiting party is collected and a list of the 
crew given to the officer of the deck. He grants 
permission to the party to visit the other ship. The 
ship's boats are used to convey the visiting party to 
and from their destination. 

Permission is granted to go in swimming from 
the side of the ship, should the weather permit. 
Any one wishing to go in swimming dons a bathing- 
suit, and the instant swimming call is sounded there 
is a mass of bluejackets in the water, swimming and 
splashing around like children. A small boat is de- 
tailed to lay off from the ship to give aid in case of 
an accident. The men are not allowed to remain 
in the water very long, and when ' ' recall " is sounded 
all hands come out of the water. 

Each ship has a fine up-to-date library w T hich con- 
tains several hundred volumes. The most popular 
books are those on travel, etc. Many members of 
the crew are talented singers and musicians, and it 
is quite a treat to hear a quartette of singers by 
moonlight on the forecastle, with the assistance of 
several stringed instruments. 

The dramatic talent of the crew has an opportu- 
nity to display itself at the various theatrical enter- 
tainments given aboard ship. Very little artificial 
scenery is required, as the big guns of the ship, the 
neat appearance of the officers and men, and the 
general surroundings furnish all the scenery neces- 




c £ 

« I 



Man-o'-War Lingo 81 

sary. The stage is rigged up on deck. Officers 
and men of the fleet and sometimes people from 
shore are invited to the show. 

No admittance fee is charged at this theatrical per- 
formance, as the officers and crew furnish every- 
thing needed. Programs are distributed and the 
members of the troupe given pseudonyms. The 
entertainments, of course, are more or less of a salty 
nature. 

MAN-O'-WAR LINGO 

The terms and expressions used by the men in 
the Navy are most peculiar. Should an outsider 
listen to two bluejackets conversing about the ser- 
vice, he would hear many terms which would cer- 
tainly be incomprehensible to him. The following 
list will give a fair idea of the meanings of some of 
the expressions : 

11 Going down hill " — over half the enlistment in. 

14 Short-timer " — less than six months to serve. 

11 Rookie " — a new recruit who has just enlisted. 

" Smoke-stack M — an imaginary jag. 

" Ship over M — to re-enlist. 

11 Jimmy legs M — the master-at-arms of the ship. 

" Black gang" — all men belonging to the engi- 
neer's department. 

" Mailo" — the mail has arrived aboard the ship 
and is about to be distributed. 



82 The American Battleship in Commission 

" Blacky " — the blacksmith. 

" Chips " — a carpenter's mate. 

" Coppers " — the coppersmith. 

" The chief"- — chief engineer of the ship. 

"Lucky bag" — a bag in which are placed all 
articles lost on the ship. 

" Jumped " — desertion by a sailor. 

" Six months and a bob " refers to one who has 
been court-martialed and sentenced to six months 
in prison and eventually given a dishonorable dis- 
charge. 

" Up to the mast " — all persons on the report for 
offences committed are lined up aft on the quarter- 
deck, where the captain acts as judge in each in- 
stance. 

" Pipe down " — shut up. 

"Belay"— hold on. 

" Dog " — a bottle of liquor. 

"Tell it to a marine" — a remark used when 
one person does not believe a statement another is 
telling him. 

" Salt horse " — salted beef. 

"The ghost walking" — pay day. 

" Pot on " — a person with a heavy list to port. 

"Beach comber" — one who hangs around sa- 
loons, etc., ashore and who has no desire to 
work. 

" Hike " — to go ashore on a heavy march. 



Man-o'-War Lingo 83 

" Sea-going' ' — traveling at sea. 

"Mulligan" — a favorite dish of an unknown 
quantity. 

"Charley Noble" — the galley stove-pipe. 

"Sea dog M — an old sailor with several enlist- 
ment stripes on his arm. 

"Run up " — brought to the mast for offences 
committed. 

" Breaking it " — remaining overtime on shore. 

"Down for a chance" — on the report for mast 
call. 

" Canned Willie " — canned beef. 

" On the books" — money due on the paymas- 
ter's books. 

" Pie wagon " — the brig where prisoners are con- 
fined. 

"Sea lawyer" — one who thinks he knows more 
about the Blue Book than the captain. 

" Smoko ! sailo ! " — a vessel sighted. 

" Hitch " — an enlistment. 

" Cum shaw" — a rake-off. 

" Big ticket M — an honorable discharge. 

" Stone frigate " — prisons ashore. 

" Sheeney " — a person having a sewing-machine 
and doing tailor work aboard ship. 

" Gadget " — a make-shift name for any object. 

" Jaw-bone " — credit. 

" Busted " — disrated to a lower rating. 



84 The American Battleship in Commission 

" Mud hook " — the ship's anchor. 

"Berth deck slusher" — messmen who wait on 
the tables of the crew. 

"Rope-yarn Sunday'' — Wednesday afternoon, 
when the crew overhaul their bag of clothing. 

" Dead soldier " — an empty bottle. 

" Making knots " — hurrying. 

" Bumboats " — shore boats containing articles 
to be sold to the crew. 

" Micky "— nickname for the Mohican. 

" Philly " — nickname for the Philadelphia. 

" Show a leg" — when the master-at-arms wakes 
all hands in the morning, they call out, " Rise and 
shine, show a leg," etc. 

" Stand by " — be on hand. 

"Draws more water" — receives more pay. 

" Hurdy-gurdy "—a sewing-machine turned by 
hand. 

" Paymaster's bouquet " — salt-water soap issued 
by the paymaster. 

" Blow off at a low pressure " — refers to a talka- 
tive person. 

" Under the gun " — one sitting next to the dealer 
in a friendly game of draw. 

"Got the wrinkles out" — sensation of hunger 
removed. 

"God's country" — any part of the United 
States. 



Man-o'-War Lingo 85 

" Put in his oar " — to intrude in a conversation. 

" Underway " — a ship moving through the water. 

14 Sloper " — a person from the West coast of the 
United States. 

" Snowdigger " — a person from the East coast of 
the United States. 

" Batten down " — secure. 

" Straight kick " — dishonorably discharged. 

" Rig in your booms " — pull in your elbows. 

M Red house " — insane asylum. 

11 Swallowed the Blue Book" — one who is contin- 
ually quoting the Navy regulations. 

" Caught a crab " — oar caught in the water. 

" Field day " — day on which the ship is scrubbed 
and cleaned. 

" Shove off, Jack " — a hint to move on. 

" Straggler" — a deserter who voluntarily gives 
himself up within a period of six months after de- 
sertion. 

" Heave to" — stop. 

" Swing ship " — placing the ship in a position so 
that the navigator can adjust his compass. 

" All night in and beans for breakfast M — a re- 
mark that is made by one who has had no night 
watch and enjoyed a good night's sleep. 



CHAPTER IV 

ORDNANCE — HOW ARMOR IS MADE — MAIN GUNS 
—CREW OF A LARGE GUN — INTERMEDIATE 
AND SECONDARY BATTERY GUNS — HOW 
A LARGE GUN IS MADE — AMMUNI- 
TION — WEIGHT OF PROJECTILES 
— TORPEDOES 

ORDNANCE 

TH E armor and armament with their many acces- 
sories constitute the main fighting strength 
of the ship. 
No doubt all ships built in the future will be 
equipped with the heaviest armor and armament 
that their tonnage will allow. All of Uncle Sam's 
late warships, built and building, have all these im- 
portant accessories. Therefore they will hold their 
own as modern warships for many years to come. 
The Oregon and her sister ships, the Indiana and 
the Massachusetts, represent our first lot of first- 
class battleships. They were commissioned about 
two years before the Spanish-American war. The 



Ordnance 87 

Oregon has won the Gunnery Trophy twice in suc- 
cession. This demonstrates the fact that our oldest 
battleships are stillquite modern in many respects. 
To capture the much-coveted prize the Oregon had 
to compete with all the large type of ships in the 
Navy. 

A warship is placed out of commission regularly. 
When this occurs the entire ship is overhauled and 
equipped with the latest appliances. 

When a new type of gun, projectile, etc., is in- 
vented, the Navy Department tests the merits of 
each. Should the results of the test prove satis- 
factory, the gun, or other improvement, would be 
placed in use aboard ship. The Government never 
jumps at conclusions, as all improvements made are 
done after a long period of tests and experiments. 
In this way all of Uncle Sam's warships are kept up 
to the highest standard of efficiency e 

HOW ARMOR IS MADE 

After the ship is launched the armor is set up. 
In some cases, however, the builders may set part 
of the armor before launching. On the sides of the 
ship, a few feet below the water-line, there is a shelf- 
like arrangement on which the armor rests as it is 
secured to the sides of the ship. 

This armor is very costly and is made by many 
processes, much of which is secret. 



88 The American Battleship in Commission 

All armor is subjected to rigid tests by the Gov- 
ernment. When one lot of armor is made certain 
pieces are selected from it and sent to the proving- 
grounds. Here it is set up for the large-caliber 
guns to fire at. Should the armor fail to stand the 
various tests, the entire lot is condemned. The 
armor-plate manufacturers know by the blue-prints 
the exact size and shape of each section of armor, 
and also where all bolt-holes, etc., are to be made. 

In making armor, first of all a batch of metal is 
smelted in the furnaces, and when ready this metal 
is poured into moulds which form the armor ingot. 
After forming, the ingot is then taken to a huge 
heating furnace ; it is reheated and brought to a 
forging-press, where it soon works down to the size 
desired. After forging the plate it is face-hardened 
by many different processes, much of which is se- 
cret. 

When the armor-plate is trimmed up, tempered, 
and all other work on it completed, the plate is 
then taken to a powerful hydraulic press, which 
soon forms the armor-plate into any shape desired. 

When the armor arrives in its finished state, the 
ship's builders secure it in place. All bolt-holes 
and other machine work on the armor-plate must 
be perfect, because all joints, etc., must fit snugly. 
The size and quantity of armor varies according to 
the size and type of the ship. Armor is made to 



How Armor is Made 89 

prevent shells from injuring the ship, and the object 
in face-hardening the armor is to try to give it 
the resisting power necessary to deflect or break up 
all shells with which it comes in contact. 

The main armor belt extends along the sides 
and runs the entire length of the ship. Above 
the main armor belt are the casements, which are 
also well armored in proportion. The casements 
are the upper sides of the ship behind which the 
intermediate and secondary guns are mounted. 

The main guns are mounted in turrets which are 
heavily armored, and which revolve on top of the 
barbette. The barbette is similar to a circular fort, 
and is extremely heavily armored in order to pro- 
tect the loading mechanism, etc., of the guns. 

The conning-tower, military masts, sighting- 
hoods, ammunition-tubes, and the protective deck 
are also well armored in proportion. 

Only the outer side of the armor is face-hardened, 
and this varies in resisting power according to the 
different processes to which the armor-plate is sub- 
jected. 



90 The American Battleship in Commission 



MAIN GUNS 

The guns of a battleship could be divided into 
three classes: main, intermediate, and secondary 
battery guns. The main guns consist of eight-, ten-, 
twelve-, or thirteen-inch guns. These are all 
mounted in turrets which revolve on top of the 
barbette. The two guns, mounts, and loading 
mechanism and turret revolve as one. The bar- 
bette extends a few feet above the deck, on top of 
which are rollers on which the turret revolves. 

All our late ships have counterbalanced turrets 
which have the weights so adjusted that the ship 
would not list were all the main guns trained to 
one side. With the old-style turrets the ship was 
exposed to danger when the main guns were all 
trained to one side. This would give the ship a 
heavy list and thus expose the lower part of the 
armor-belt to the enemy. 

Located at the bottom of the turret is the hand- 
ling-room, where all ammunition is trolleyed from 
the magazines to the loading-car. A large rammer 
sends the shell home. When withdrawn, the bags 
of powder are put into the powder-chamber and the 
breech-plug is closed. Then the gun is ready to 
be fired. 

When in action the guns are kept trained toward 



Main Guns 91 

the mark while the loading process is going on. 
Upon finishing loading the gun is depressed from 
the loading position and sighted on the target. 
When the gun-pointer has the gun sighted on the 
mark he fires. 

On nearly all our ships the main guns are mounted 
in pairs in turrets. When mounted in pairs each 
gun has its own loading mechanism and they can 
be sighted and fired separately, although both fire 
toward the same mark. 

The hoists, turrets, and rammers are operated 
by either hydraulic or electric power. The gun 
rests on the saddle and large steel bands and straps 
are used to secure it in place. The saddle rests on 
the slides and is held down with heavy clips and 
lugs. Attached to the outer end of the saddle are 
large pistons which lead into the recoil-cylinders. 

There are two types of recoil-cylinders. One is 
filled with recoil-liquid and contains recoil-springs ; 
the other type is worked by hydraulic power. 

In hydraulic-power turrets, similar to the Oregon 
type, the recoil-cylinder contains a water-pressure 
of about six hundred pounds to the square inch. 
This pressure is supplied by huge hydraulic pumps, 
which are located well below the water-line. When 
firing, these pumps must be kept going in order to 
retain pressure for the recoil-cylinders. 

The supply-pipe from the pumps is located at 



92 The American Battleship in Commission 

the back end of the cylinder and contains a check- 
valve. The front end of the recoil-cylinders con- 
tains relief-valves, which are set at a high pres- 
sure. 

When the gun is fired a deafening roar is heard as 
the gun recoils backward over the slides. The in- 
stant the gun is fired the check-valve in the supply- 
pipe closes. Were this not so the pipes and the 
pumps down below would burst from the sudden 
pressure created. 

The interior walls of the recoil-cylinders contain 
several grooves, and the piston enters the cylinder 
and forces the water through these grooves past 
the piston-head until the recoil is finally checked. 
There is no escape for the water displaced by the 
pistons entering the cylinders, except through the 
relief-valves, which are forced open by the enor- 
mous pressure created. This allows the necessary 
amount of water to escape. As soon as the gun 
ceases recoiling, the relief- valves close and the check- 
valve in the supply-pipe opens, and the pressure 
formed against the back end of the pistons quickly 
forces the gun out to battery. 

Fresh water is used by the hydraulic pumps, and 
all water escaping from the recoil-cylinders is led 
back to the fresh-water tanks to be repumped. 

Officers are stationed in the fighting-tops to ascer- 
tain the range, which is signaled down to the turrets. 



Crew of a Large Gun 93 

In action the results of the firing can be better 
judged when taking observation from an elevated 
point of view. The range varies continually in 
battle, as both fleets are constantly maneuvering 
about to gain an advantageous position. 

CREW OF A LARGE GUN 

Several hundred men are connected, directly and 
indirectly, in operating the big guns. Coal-passers 
bring the coal to the firemen ; the firemen keep up 
steam in the boilers with which to operate the ma- 
chinery of the ship ; and thus the division of labor 
continues all along the line until we come to the 
gun's crew proper. 

A thirteen-inch shell weighs eleven hundred 
pounds. The powder-charge used to eject this 
shell from the gun weighs well over two hundred 
pounds. 

A great number of men are required to handle 
the guns and ammunition of the ship. Extra men 
must also be available, because during a battle 
many men may be put out of action. The follow, 
ing will give a fair idea of the duties performed by 
a large gun's crew. 

Turret Officer is in complete charge of the turret 
and gives all orders necessary. The turret contains 



94 The American Battleship in Commission 

speaking-tubes, etc., which enable the turret officer 
to be kept informed with regard to the movements 
of the enemy, range, how the shots are landing, etc. 

Turret Captain is next in command to the turret 
officer. Should an accident befall the turret officer, 
the turret captain would then take charge. The tur- 
ret captain also superintends all work in the turret. 

Trainers keep the guns trained toward the tar- 
get while the gun is being loaded and fired. When 
the gun is fired it is put into loading position, and 
upon being loaded the gun is quickly sighted on 
the mark. 

Gun-pointers sight and fire the gun with the 
assistance of the trainers. Much responsibility rests 
on the gun-pointer, because while the gun is being 
sighted the firing-lanyard is in his hand. Upon 
sighting the gun properly, the gun-pointer fires it 
with either percussion or electric primer. 

Gunner s Mate is in charge of the handling-room 
below, where all ammunition is loaded into the 
loading-car. This car brings the ammunition di- 
rectly in front of the breech end of the gun when 
needed. 



Crew of a Large Gun 95 

Rammer Man operates the rammer, which sends 
the shell home. This rammer pushes the shell off 
the car into the gun, and it is operated by either 
hydraulic or electric power. 

Powder Men take the powder from the loading- 
car as soon as it arrives at the loading-platform. 
This powder is in bags, and when the rammer re- 
coils home the powder is quickly put into the pow- 
der-chamber. 

Plug Man operates the breech-plug mechanism. 
As soon as the gun is loaded the plug man quickly 
closes the breech-plug, which locks it into position. 

Sight-setter adjusts the sights when ordered to 
do so by the turret officer. He also watches the 
sights, so that he may ascertain whether they have 
become deranged from the concussion of the guns. 

Handling-room Crew work down in the handling- 
room, where all ammunition is trolleyed from the 
magazines to the loading-car. A large number of 
men are detailed to work in the magazines. 



96 The American Battleship in Commission 



INTERMEDIATE AND SECONDARY BAT- 
TERY GUNS 

The intermediate guns of the battleship vary in 
caliber. Four-, five-, six-, and seven-inch guns 
are included in the intermediate battery, and they 
represent the broadside battery of the ship. Some 
ships are equipped with five-inch guns in the inter- 
mediate battery, and other ships may be equipped 
with guns of a larger caliber. 

The guns are mounted on a permanent pedestal 
mount, and they recoil on about the same principle 
as the hydraulic-power recoil-guns. This, of 
course, excepts the fact that all guns of the inter- 
mediate battery are filled with recoil-liquid, consist- 
ing of glycerine and water. 

The back end of these recoil-cylinders contains 
powerful steel springs. When the recoil-pistons 
meet these springs they help take up the recoil, and 
quickly the gun is forced out to battery. 

On the larger caliber guns counter-recoil springs 
are used. These take up the jar as the guns return 
to the battery. 

The intermediate guns are operated by hand- 
gear, and are easily manipulated, as the gun and 
its mechanism revolve on top of a series of small 
rollers, while the other parts are connected with 
cogs or worm-gear. These guns can be fired with 



Intermediate and Secondary Battery Guns 97 

greater rapidity than the main guns, because of the 
fact that fixed or semi-fixed ammunition is used. 

As soon as the gun is fired the gun-pointer and 
trainer keep it trained and sighted on the mark 
while the loading process is going on. Ammu- 
nition-hoists are placed conveniently at hand to 
supply the guns of the intermediate battery with 
ammunition, 

Some of our new battleships are equipped with 
a broadside of twelve seven-inch guns, which are 
independent of the main guns. The main guns 
consist of four twelve-inch and efight eight-inch 
guns. The main guns, which are mounted in tur- 
rets, are protected by the heavily armored turrets 
and barbettes. The guns of the intermediate bat- 
tery are also well protected by the casemates or side 
armor, which extends up above the main armor belt. 

The intermediate and main guns are sighted with 
telescopic sights, the outer end of which contains 
cross-wires. When the gun-pointer has the cross- 
wires on the mark he then fires the gun. 

The guns of the secondary battery vary from 
three inches down to the smaller caliber machine- 
guns. One-, three-, and six-pounder guns, and 
also the three-inch guns are the largest caliber guns 
in the secondary battery. This battery is of great 
use in repelling torpedo-boat attacks, bombarding 
at close range, etc. All these guns work automat- 



98 The American Battleship in Commission 

ically or semi-automatically. When a semi-auto- 
matic gun is fired, the gases, etc., from each shot 
are utilized to eject the empty cartridge-case from 
the gun. All ammunition used by the secondary 
battery is fixed ; the powder and shell is made up 
in a single cartridge-case similar to small rifle am- 
munition. 

By using this ammunition the hail of the fire is 
terrific. The Colts automatic gun fires thirty-cali- 
ber service rifle ammunition. The first shot starts 
the gun in action, and the gun will keep firing as 
long as the trigger is held back and the ammunition 
holds out. 

The ammunition is fed by a belt containing sev- 
eral hundred rounds, and as soon as one belt is used 
up another one is put in its place. 

A Colts automatic in action sounds like a long 
row of large-size firecrackers going off. This gun 
is mounted on a small carriage, and is used mostly 
by the boarding and landing parties which may be 
sent from the ship. The barrel of this gun is de- 
tachable, because when one gets overheated it must 
be replaced with another barrel. 

A machine-gun is one with more than one barrel. 
By turning a crank or lever the gun will fire several 
hundred shots a minute as long as the ammunition 
holds out. The ammunition is supplied by either 
a belt, hopper, or drum. 



How a Large Gun is Made 99 

By having several barrels a machine-gun can fire 
a terrific hail of shot, since each barrel fires indi- 
vidually. 

Each ship carries a couple of three-inch field- 
pieces, which are mounted on a wheeled truck. 
This gun with the machine and automatic guns are 
taken ashore with the landing party which may be 
sent from the ship. A small army of men could 
be kept at bay with a couple of these automatic 
guns. 

HOW A LARGE GUN IS MADE 

All guns on board a warship are so constructed 
and mounted that, should any accident occur to 
the gun proper, it could be easily replaced with a 
new one. 

The labor, patience, and expense involved in 
manufacturing a large gun is enormous. In mak- 
ing a large gun the gun-metal is smelted in a huge 
ladle. It is then poured into a mould. When the 
mould is filled the top is securely closed and a 
pressure put on the molten metal by large hydraulic 
rams, which exert an enormous pressure on the 
mass. This causes it to form compactly, and 
forces out all the blow-holes. When the metal is 
cool it is removed from the mould and the ingot is 
roughly bored. After boring the tube is heated in 
the furnace and forged out on a mandrel. It is 



ioo The American Battleship in Commission 

then put through several processes of tempering, 
etc. 

The tube is now set up in a huge lathe, where 
the outside of the tube is turned down to the size 
desired. This tube is very thick at the breech end 
of the gun, and gradually tapers down in size toward 
the muzzle. 

Large steel jackets and hoops are heated in the 
furnace in order to expand them. These hoops 
and jackets are dropped over the gun while hot, 
and upon cooling they contract, thus greatly rein- 
forcing the gun. 

After the jackets and hoops are assembled the 
tube is set up on the lathe and rebored to the 
proper size. During these various operations the 
gun is carefully examined to detect flaws of any 
kind. 

When the gun is rebored and turned to the right 
size, it is brought to the rifling-machine. This 
machine cuts a series of riflings in the bore of 
the gun. These commence at the back end of the 
powder-chamber and extend on throughout the bore 
of the gun. The riflings give the projectile a rotary 
motion, which causes the shell to go true on its 
course as it leaves the gun. This prevents the shell 
from tumbling or sagging. Each shell has a copper 
band around the base end of it. A groove is cut 
out of the shell, in which it is secured. This band 



How a Large Gun is Made 101 

is called the rotary band, and is tapered on the end 
edge. It is slightly larger than the bore of the 
gun, and as the shell is rammed home it strikes 
up against the rifling and gives the shell a rotary 
motion when the gun is fired. 

At the breech end of the gun all necessary slots, 
screw-holes, etc., are made. The breech-plug 
mechanism of a large gun looks a complicated af- 
fair, yet it is quite simple. By operating a single 
lever the breech-plug unlocks itself and swings open. 
Upon closing the breech-plug the movements are 
reversed. 

After the gun is completed it is sent to the prov- 
ing-grounds, where it is severely tested by firing it. 
After the gun has successfully passed through the 
tests it is sent to the ship designated, or it may 
be kept in stock until needed. 

A gun must be of great strength, because the 
strain imposed upon it when being fired is enormous. 

Previously the Government turned out all of its 
own guns, but of late many have been let by con- 
tract to outside firms. This has established many 
gun factories in this country. These will be of 
great service in time of war. 



io2 The American Battleship in Commission 



AMMUNITION 

Smokeless powder is now used in the Navy. 
This powder is of great strength, and an ordinary 
powder-charge for a large modern gun requires a 
much smaller amount than powder of the old type. 
When a gun was fired with the old-style powder 
the ship was enveloped in a cloud of smoke, and 
should no breeze be blowing at the time, the smoke 
would hover about the ship for some time. This 
would prevent further firing until the smoke cleared 
away. The difficulty has been obviated, however, 
by the smokeless powder. 

Three different types of shells are used in the 
Navy: armor-piercing, shrapnel, and common. 
These shells are formed in a mould and then forged 
down to the required size. After forging the shell 
is trimmed up on the lathe, interior hollowed out, 
and all other necessary machine-work is completed 
on it. 

Armor-piercing shells are especially hardened at 
the nose, so that they may penetrate the armor of 
the ship. At the nose of an armor-piercing shell is 
a lubricating-cap, which is filled with a soft metal, 
which assists the shell to penetrate the armor. A 
great many armor-piercing shells contain a bursting- 
charge, which explodes similar to a common shell. 

Common shells are made on about the same prin- 




The Pennsylvania's Broadside. A few broadside guns of an armored cruiser. 
The port side looking- aft. 

Copyright, 1906, by Enrique Muller. 



Ammunition 103 

ciple as the armor-piercing shells, but the common 
shells contain larger bursting-charges. 

Many shells are equipped with time-fuses, and 
by knowing the range, resistance of shell leaving 
gun, strength and weight of powder-charge, the 
time occupied by the shell in reaching the mark 
can be very easily figured out. The time-fuse is 
set accordingly, allowance being made for the shell 
to penetrate the ship before exploding. 

Shrapnel shells have a large cavity bored out of 
the interior, and this is filled with several small metal 
balls. Among these balls is a small bursting-charge 
of powder. The walls of these shells are very thin, 
so that they will burst easily. The time-fuse is 
sometimes set so that the shell will explode just as 
it is about to strike the mark. The momentum of 
the shell will cause the many fragments and small 
balls to be hurled in many directions, thus caus- 
ing great destruction about the decks of the 
enemy. 

The larger size shells are equipped with base- 
fuses. These are set in the center of the bottom of 
the shell, and upon impact a plunger jumps forward 
and explodes the bursting-charge within the shell. 

All ammunition is kept carefully stowed in the 
magazines. The powder-charge for the large-cali- 
ber guns is kept in large copper tanks or tubes, each 
of which contains one charge. 



104 The American Battleship in Commission 

This powder is put up in bags, and these fit snug- 
ly into the powder-chamber of the gun. At the 
base end of each bag is a small amount of black 
powder, which causes the smokeless powder to ig- 
nite more freely when the gun is fired. Each pow- 
der-charge is indexed with the date of manufacture, 
strength, etc. 

The shells are kept stowed in the shell-rooms. 
All powder-charges and shells, are piled in racks or 
bins, which are well secured so as to prevent them 
from breaking adrift when the ship is at sea. The 
larger powder-tanks stand on end. 

All magazines are kept ventilated, and in case of 
fire they are quickly flooded, as each contains one 
or more flood-cocks which are connected with the 
sea. These cocks are operated from the upper 
decks, and upon being opened they let in an im- 
mense volume of water. 

The ammunition for the smaller caliber guns of 
the intermediate and secondary battery guns is kept 
stowed in separate magazines. All guns of these 
two batteries from five-inch down use fixed ammu- 
nition. This is kept stowed in boxes containing 
one or more rounds, according to the caliber of the 
gun. 

Much care and precaution are taken with the mag- 
azines at all times, because should one explode the 
greatest destruction would follow. 



Weight of Projectiles 105 

WEIGHT OF PROJECTILES 

i-pounder gun shell i lb. 

3-pounder " , " 3 lb. 

6-pounder " " 6 lb. 

3-inch " . « x 4 lb. 

4-inch " « 33 lb. 

5-inch " « S o lb. 

6-inch " « ioo lb. 

7-inch " « 165 lb. 

8-inch " « 250 lb. 

10-inch " « 500 lb. 

12-inch " « 8501b. 

13-inch " " 1 100 lb. 

SHELL MEASURE, U. S. N. 

2 thirteen-inch 1 long ton 

12 seven-inch 1 short ton 

8 eight-inch 1 ton 

2 ten-inch 1. ton 

1 six-inch 1 C wt. 

1 five-inch 1 C wt. 

1 one-pounder 1 lb. 

TORPEDOES 

A large fleet of torpedo-boats are maintained to 
fight with this deadly weapon — the torpedo. In 
addition to these craft most of our battleships and 
large cruisers are equipped with torpedo-tubes and all 
the necessary apparatus required for torpedo work. 

Torpedoes are fired from a torpedo-tube. When 



io6 The American Battleship in Commission 

the torpedo is charged with the necessary pressure 
of compressed air, it is then ready to be fired. 

There are two types of tube in use : one is sub- 
merged or below the water-line, the other is above 
the water-line. 

The Whitehead torpedo has been the type which 
has been used for several years, but the Navy De- 
partment has recently adopted an entirely new type 
of torpedo. It is known as the Bliss-Leavitt tur- 
bine-torpedo. Its power is much greater than that 
of the Whitehead type. While the Whitehead is 
capable of making twenty-eight knots speed at a 
900-yard range, and twenty-two knots at 1500 
yards, the new turbine-torpedo makes a guaranteed 
speed of thirty-six knots at a 1200-yard range, and 
twenty-eight knots at 3500 yards. 

The new torpedo is well adapted for use in sub- 
merged torpedo-tubes. This type of tube is much 
safer than the tubes above the water, because of 
the fact that the submerged type are below the 
water-line and thus protect the torpedo-room from 
the fire of the enemy. There are two sizes of tor- 
pedoes, eighteen-inch and twenty-one-inch. It is 
claimed that the eighteen-inch torpedo costs $5000 
and the twenty-one-inch a proportionate amount 
greater. This sum is really insignificant when one 
considers the battleship costing five or ten millions 
which it may put out of commission. 



Torpedoes 107 

A few successful torpedo attacks on a fleet of 
large type of ships would soon decide the results 
of a naval battle. A torpedo is divided into three 
main sections. The forward end is known as the 
warhead; this contains 132 pounds of guncotton. 
The amidship or center section is the air-chamber, 
in which the compressed air is forced. Compressed 
air is the motive power. The after end of the tor- 
pedo contains the turbine-engine which operates 
the propellers. Two propellers are used, and they 
revolve in opposite directions at a high rate of 
speed. Located in these three main sections are 
other minor compartments, which contain the vari- 
ous devices which guide and regulate the torpedo 
when fired from the tube. 

The torpedo contains horizontal and vertical rud- 
ders, which are so regulated by sensitive devices 
that they will cause the torpedo to go true on its 
course and keep it submerged the desired depth 
under the water. So sensitive is the steering and 
depth-regulating apparatus, that even though there 
be a sea running at the time the torpedo is fired 
from the tube, the torpedo will rise and fall with 
the swell overhead. 

The depth of submersion is about eight feet, 
which is sufficient, since it is intended to strike the 
enemy below the armor belt. 

Frequently torpedo practice is held. One form 



108 The American Battleship in Commission 

of target practice is that with a floating target, 
which is towed full speed past the ship, which is 
speeding twelve knots or more in the opposite di- 
rection. In firing torpedoes from a battleship the 
methods vary somewhat. The range between the 
ship and the target varies according to the form of 
target practice. 

The torpedo is charged with 2225 pounds of 
compressed air, which is furnished by powerful air- 
compressors. The outboard end of the tube turns 
in a ball joint ; the inboard end revolves over a cir 
cular track. This track is marked with a set of fig- 
ures. When the torpedoes are being fired the men 
stationed in the torpedo-rooms cannot see at what 
they are firing. The torpedo-room is located be- 
hind the armor belt, in which is a hole only large 
enough to admit the passage of a torpedo. 

The officer in charge of the torpedo-firing ascer- 
tains the range from a sensitive instrument known 
as a torpedo-director. This instrument ascertains 
the range of the target or enemy, and the figures 
marked on the track on which the torpedo-tube 
passes over correspond with the figures of the tor- 
pedo-director. By this means the tube is kept 
trained, since the figures are given to the men sta- 
tioned in the torpedo-room. 

As both the target and the ship are moving in 
opposite directions, the tube is kept trained on 



Torpedoes 109 

the mark until the torpedo or the target is out of 
range. A sudden release of compressed air ejects 
the torpedo from the tube. As it leaves the tube 
the machinery starts in motion and an alcohol lamp 
is lighted automatically. This lamp superheats the 
compressed air, which gives it great expansive power 
and energy. 

An automatic stop is so regulated that the tor- 
pedo will stop itself after it has traveled a certain 
distance. In time of war the torpedo could be 
regulated so that if it failed to strike the enemy it 
would sink to the bottom of the sea. A floating 
torpedo with a warhead attached is a menace to 
both opposing nations. 

To prevent premature explosion another ingeni- 
ous device is used. Located at the nose of the 
warhead is a small propeller-like arrangement. This 
propeller is caused to revolve by the friction of the 
water as the torpedo speeds through it. A small 
shaft is connected with this propeller and unscrews 
a locking-nut. After the shaft has made a certain 
number of turns the firing-pin is then effective ; 
this will cause the torpedo to explode upon impact, i 
This device allows the torpedo to get clear of the 
ship which fires the projectile. 

The warhead is never used except in time of war. 
A drillhead is used during practice. This has the 
same weight and size as the warhead. 



1 10 The American Battleship in Commission 

The majority of the enlisted men detailed for 
torpedo work are gunner's mates, who are gradu- 
ates from the Gunnery School, where torpedo work 
is made a special study. 



CHAPTER V 

NOMENCLATURE OF THE SHIP — DRAINAGE SYSTEM 

— VENTILATION SYSTEM — FRESH AND SALT 

WATER SYSTEMS — DESCRIPTION OF UNITED 

STATES VESSELS HOW THE NAVY HAS 

GROWN IN TWELVE YEARS — VESSELS 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION — SUMMARY 

OF IMPORTANT VESSELS BUILT 

NOMENCLATURE OF THE SHIP 

MILITARY Masts is the name given to the 
steel masts of the ship. They are armored 
at the base and fighting-tops are attached 
to them. The fighting-tops are now used mostly 
for observation and range-finding. 

Boat Cranes are used for hoisting and lowering 
boats. They have a large tapering arm which re- 
volves. The cranes are also used while coaling, 
and they work mechanically. 

Bridge. A long narrow bridge built up from the 
superstructure deck. The pilot-house, chart-house, 
steering-wheel, compass, speaking-tubes, speed- 



1 1 2 The American Battleship in Commission 

annunciator, and signaling apparatus are located on 
the forward end of the bridge. 

Emergency Cabin. A small room located on the 
forward end of the bridge. It is used by the cap- 
tain during a storm of long duration. In time of 
war, should an engagement be imminent, the cap- 
tain would occupy the emergency cabin so as to be 
at hand. 

Signal-yards. Near the top of the military masts 
is a small signal-yard, used to hoist signals from the 
bridge. 

Conning-tower is located directly under the for- 
ward end of the bridge. It is made of heavy armor 
and contains many peep-holes; the interior con- 
tains all necessary apparatus for navigating the ship. 
The conning-tower is supposed to be used in time 
of action, but is seldom used, as the officers prefer 
to remain on the bridge. 

Side Lights. When at sea a red light can be seen 
from the port side and a green light from the star- 
board side; these lights define the direction in 
which the ship is going at night. 

Superstructure Deck. This deck is built up from 
the broad part of the main deck. Hammock-net- 



Nomenclature of the Ship 113 

tings, galley and engine-room hatches, ventilators, 
cranes, and most of the secondary battery are lo- 
cated on this deck. 

Main Deck. On a majority of the ships this deck 
extends from bow to stern ; the forward end is 
called the forecastle (pronounced "forxcl" by sail- 
ors) ; the rear end is known as the quarter-deck. 
The ship's largest caliber guns are located on the 
center line of this deck. 

Hawse-pipes. This is a heavy casting through 
which the anchor-chain passes on its way to the sea. 

Bitt. This is a heavy piece of metal securely 
fastened to the decks. A bitt has two upright 
arms to which lines or cables are fastened. 

Sea-ladder. This consists of a series of small 
metal steps which are secured permanently against 
the ship's side. 

Scuppers. These are heavy pipes or tubes which 
drain the water from the waterways to the sea. 

Waterways. This is a channel on the outer edge 
of the decks which leads the water to the scuppers. 

Davitts are heavy metal arms which extend over 
the sides of the ship, and are used for hoisting boats, 
stores, etc. 



1 14 The American Battleship in Commission 

Cleat is a small device with two small arms used 
for fastening small lines. 

Winch is located about the decks and is used for 
hoisting purposes. 

Tackle is a set of blocks and ropes used for hoist- 
ing purposes. The more sheaves in the blocks the 
greater the purchase. 

Lower Booms are extended out from the ship's 
sides. As soon as the anchor is dropped these 
booms are rigged out, and all small boats in the 
water not in use are made fast to these booms. 

Air -ports. On the lower decks are many air-ports 
used for ventilating and lighting purposes, and are 
made of heavy glass. 

Battle-ports are attached overhead from the air- 
ports and are lowered and secured when the big 
guns are in action. 

Grappling is a small anchor with several claws and 
is used by the small boats. 

Harness Cask is an oval-shaped cask used for 
stowing salted meats. 




A Navy-yard Scene. A typical scene at the Brooklyn navy-yard, where warships 

are overhauled. 



Copyright, 1901, by Enrique Mulle 



Nomenclature of the Ship 115 

Scuttle Butt is a drinking-tank where the crew 
get their drinking-water. A cooling-pipe is placed 
inside. 

Binnacle is a casing around the compass, and on 
the sides are two small lamps which reflect the light 
on the compass card. 

Hatch Coamings are the parts of the hatch which 
extend above the decks. These prevent the water 
from getting below, The hatch is an opening in 
the decks used for traffic or cargo. 

Well is a certain part of the main compartments 
where all the water gathers to be pumped out. A 
sounding-tube leads to the upper decks, through 
which the sounding-rod is dropped to ascertain 
whether the ship is leaking. The suction-pipes 
from the pumps are also located in the well. 

Wildcat is a heavy slotted casting on the an- 
chor-engine into which the links of the anchor-chain 
fit snugly as the anchor is being hoisted or dropped. 

Stopper is a heavy hook with a long shank, one 
end being hooked into a ring-bolt and the balance 
lashed against the anchor-chain, thus helping to 
secure it. 

The Lead is a heavy lead weight with a small 
line attached. The line has the fathoms marked 



1 1 6 The American Battleship in Commission 

on it at intervals. A hole in the bottom of the 
lead is filled with tallow to ascertain the nature of 
the bottom of the sea. If the bottom of the sea 
is muddy, the mud will stick to the tallow. 

Armory is a place to store small arms, such as 
rifles and pistols. A gunner's mate is placed in 
charge of the armory. 

Store-rooms on the ship are very necessary, and 
each department has several. They are kept closed 
with water-tight doors. 

Double Bottoms. The ship has practically two 
bottoms, independent of each other, and the space 
between the two is called the double bottom. 
Fresh water can be carried in the double bottom 
if necessary. 

Trimming-tanks are located at the extreme ends 
of the ship. When the ship is about to be docked, 
the trimming-tanks are filled with sea- water in order 
to make the ship set level in the water. 

Berth Deck. This deck extends the whole length 
of the ship, and is used for living accommodations. 
On this deck are many mess tables and hammock 
hooks. A great many of the flood, sluice, and 



Nomenclature of the Ship 117 

drain valves are operated from this deck. It is 
also known as the armored or protective deck. 

Battle-hatches are made of heavy steel plates 
which are set over the hatch coamings and securely 
fastened. Certain hatches are cut out of the ar- 
mored deck, which are very heavy, and are oper- 
ated by tackles or mechanism. 

Orlop Deck is located below the armored or berth 
deck. Ammunition-hoists and the auxiliary maga- 
zines are located here. Ammunition-hatches for 
the intermediate and secondary battery guns open 
up on this deck, all ammunition being trolleyed 
to the different hoists. This deck is below the 
water-line, and is protected on the sides by the 
heavy belts of armor and by the armored deck 
overhead. 

Bulkheads are steel walls which divide the ship 
into compartments and store-rooms. All bulk- 
heads are water-tight. All water-tight doors and 
hatches fit against a rubber gasket. 

Main Engines are those used for propelling the 
ship. The general type of engine in use is the 
triple-expansion upright type. 

Twin Screws pertains to a vessel with two screws 
or propellers. This type of ship has two separate 



1 1 8 The American Battleship in Commission 

engines, which are located in separate compartments 
well below the water-line. 



Throttle-valve is a valve of the steam-engine 
which regulates the amount of steam going into 
the steam-chest. 

Reversing-engine is a small engine us?d to throw 
the reversing-links over on the main engines. 
When the engines are to be reversed, the steam is 
shut off and the reverse-links are thrown over. 
This changes the position of the cut-off in the steam- 
chest and causes the engines to revolve in the op- 
posite direction when the steam is turned on. 

Fire-rooms are located in separate compartments. 
The steam-pipes from the boilers connect with the 
main steam-pipe which leads the steam to the main 
engines. 

Boilers of the ship are located below the water- 
line. The old-style marine boilers have many tubes 
through which the heat from the fires passes to heat 
the water. The new type of boiler is known as 
"water-tube boiler." The water is inside the 
tubes and the heat passes around them. Thus the 
steam is created more easily and is of a much higher 
pressure. 



Nomenclature of the Ship 119 

Main Shaft is made up in sections with solid 
flanges, which are securely bolted together. This 
shaft runs from the engines to the stern of the ship. 
The last section to which the propeller is attached 
is called the tail shaft. 

Thrust-box. The first section of the main shaft 
from the engines has several large collars on it. 
These fit snugly into the thrust-box and thus pre- 
vent the shaft from working in and out. The 
thrust-box bearing is kept filled with oil when the 
engines are in motion. 

Jac king-engine is a small engine that can be con- 
nected to the main shaft by worm-gear. When in 
port the jacking-engine is used to turn the main en- 
gines over for repairs, etc. 

Auxiliary Machinery includes all the machinery 
about the ship, such as evaporators, ice-machines, 
winches, blower-engines, dynamo-engines, etc. 
When in port only one boiler or set of boilers is 
fired, and this supplies steam to the auxiliary ma- 
chinery. 

Steering-engine-room is located at the after end 
of the ship well below the water-line. At sea a 
watch is stationed in the steering-engine-room, and 
should anything go wrong it is immediately re- 



1 20 The American Battleship in Commission 

ported to the officer of the deck. The steering- 
engine is operated by moving the wheel up on the 
bridge. 

Ward-room is located on the after part of the 
berth deck. It is a spacious compartment where 
the senior officers dine. The admiral and captain 
have their quarters located at the extreme after 
end of the ship. 

Chain-lockers are located directly under the 
anchor-engine, and as the anchors are being hoisted 
men are stationed in the lockers to stow away the 
anchor-chain. When the anchors are to be dropped 
the men are ordered to keep clear of the chain- 
lockers and anchor-chain. 

Sand-locker is a compartment used to carry sand. 
The wooden decks, gratings, boat-gear, etc., are 
often scrubbed with sand and canvas. 

Cat/alls is a large set of tackles used to hoist 
and cat the anchors. Many ships use a patent 
anchor, the stock of which is housed in the hawse- 
pipes. 

Mooring-swivel. When both the anchors are out 
the anchor-chains are secured to the mooring-swivel, 



Nomenclature of the Ship 121 

which prevents the chains from getting twisted as 
the ship swings with the tide. 

Chain-plates are wide plates which are secured to 
the decks where the anchor-chains pass over, and 
thus protect the decks. The upper decks are of 
wood, which is bolted to the steel plating under- 
neath. 

Turn Buckle is a metallic device with threads at 
either end, which are used to set taut cables, rods, 
etc. 

Boatswain s Chair is a short board with a line 
reeved through the ends. A line is secured to 
same, and this chair is used to lower a person over 
the side to overhaul the rigging, etc. 

Marlmspike is a short piece of iron or steel, ta- 
pered at one end, and is used to pry open strands 
of a rope or cable for splicing. 

Hammock Netting is a compartment about the 
superstructure deck where the crew stow their ham- 
mocks. 

Palm is a leather band that fits over the palm of 
the hand and is used for sewing canvas. A small 



122 The American Battleship in Commission 

metallic disc is secured to the center of the band. 
The head of the sewing-needle rests against this disc 
as the needle is being forced through the canvas. 

Siren is one of the ship's steam-whistles, and 
when blown creates a screeching noise. 

Keelson is a heavy plating built over the ship's 
main keel. It is located at the very bottom of the 
ship, and is used to strengthen the keel and the 
bottom of the ship. 

Uptake is a section of the boiler that leads the 
smoke to the smoke-stacks. Many of the large 
ships have smoke-stacks one hundred feet in height 
from their base. 

Manhole is a space cut out of the boiler, tank, 
etc., large enough to admit a person to inspect or 
repair same. 

Water-line is a horizontal line along the outside 
of a ship. It represents the ship's natural draught. 
A corresponding line is marked on the ship's in- 
terior. 

Snatch-block is a block which is hinged on the 
side. This style of block saves much labor, for by 



Nomenclature of the Ship 123 

opening the block any part of a rope can be set in. 
With the old-style block the rope's end had to be 
reeved through. 

Reel is a cylindrical drum used to coil large ropes 
or fire-hose on. 

Shackle is a link with two eyes at one end ; a 
pin is inserted through these eyes and thus a link 
is formed. Shackles are used to connect chains to- 
gether, etc. 

Sextant is an instrument used by the navigator 
to measure angular distances to ascertain the longi- 
tude and latitude. 

Stud is a short brace in the center of each anchor- 
chain link, and is used mostly on large chains. 
These studs give the chain great strength. 

Swab consists of canvas threads secured to a 
handle, and is used to dry the decks. 

Refrigerating Rooms are used to store fresh meat 
and other perishable goods. The interior contains 
many coils of cooling-pipes which are connected 
with the ice-machines. 

Figurehead is a design fastened to the stem of 
the ship. The styles of figureheads vary. Some 



1 24 The American Battleship in Commission 

consist of a shield, others of a seal of the State 
after which the ship is named, etc. 

Stern-post is an upright piece of metal which con- 
stitutes the stern of the ship. The rudder of a 
twin-screw ship is hinged to the stern-post. The 
extreme opposite end of the ship is known as the 
stem or bow. 

Frames are the steel ribs of the ship, and com- 
mence at the keel and curve upward to the extreme 
height of the ship. At the different decks deck- 
beams cross athwartship and are well secured to the 
frames. 

Starboard. In facing toward the bow of the 
ship the right-hand side of the ship is called star- 
board; the left-hand side is known as the port 
side. Amidships pertains to the middle part of 
the ship ; athwartships signifies across the ship. 

DRAINAGE SYSTEM 

The ship is one mass of compartments and store- 
rooms. Each contains one or more sluice-gates or 
drain-valves. All the minor compartments contain 
drains which lead the water to the main compart- 
ments, where it is pumped out. The main com- 
partments contain the suction-pipes. When water 



Drainage System 125 

is found in any of the compartments it is reported 
to the engine-room and is then pumped out. In 
the engine- and fire-rooms are several large pumps 
with a great many suction-pipes which lead to the 
many compartments. 

By opening the main sluice-gates the water can 
be led into any compartment desired. All the 
sluice-gates and drain-valves are operated from the 
inclosed decks, the stem of each being connected 
with a long shaft. All these valves are made of 
heavy brass and are tested regularly. 

A socket-wrench fits over the shaft-head, and a 
dial-plate gives the position of the valve, whether 
it is open or shut. The hand-pumps of the ship 
can also be connected up for pumping out com- 
partments. These pumps are operated by cog- 
gear and manned by the crew. They may also be 
used for pumping sea-water for fire purposes, etc. 
There are several hundred drain- and sluice-valves 
aboard the ship, and to overhaul and test them re- 
quires several days. 

When in tropical waters the ship's lower hull 
sweats a great deal. This, of course, causes water 
to form. When the ship is inspected by the ad- 
miral and his staff every nook and corner of the 
ship is thoroughly noted and a report of same is 
forwarded to Washington. 



126 The American Battleship in Commission 



VENTILATION SYSTEM 

This system is so perfect that all compartments, 
store-rooms, and magazines are kept cool and coiru 
fortable at all times. In some parts of the ship 
two systems are used : one supplies the fresh air 
and the other carries away the foul air. 

Special care is taken to thoroughly ventilate the 
magazines and lower compartments, thus making 
the ship quite comfortable between decks. 

Located in different parts of the ship are huge 
blowers, operated by steam or electricity. Each 
blower supplies certain sections of the ship with 
air. In case a compartment or magazine should 
become flooded with water, it could not back 
through the ventilating-pipes, because outside the 
bulkheads is a pocket containing a hollow ball or 
float which rises when the pocket becomes filled 
with water. The pressure forces the ball or float 
against the hole in the air-pipe, and thus prevents 
the water from passing through. 

In time of action all battle-hatches are battened 
down, and the large amount of fresh air forced into 
the lower parts of the ship makes it quite comfort- 
able for the men stationed below decks. 

The fire-rooms and engine-rooms have many 
large ventilators extending up through the upper 
decks. On the tops of these ventilators are large 




o 



< 



Fresh and Salt Water Systems 127 

revolving hoods, which are faced toward the wind. 
This causes the heat to be lessened in the engine- 
and fire-rooms. When at sea these ventilators are 
4 'trimmed" by the watch on deck, should it be 
necessary. 

FRESH AND SALT WATER SYSTEMS 

A complete distilling plant is installed aboard the 
ship. Most of the fresh water used is made by the 
evaporators. Located in different parts of the ship 
are fresh-water tanks, where all the fresh water is 
stowed. On the superstructure deck is located the 
supply-tank, which supplies the different pipe-lines 
about the ship. 

Salt water is pumped into the evaporators and 
comes out sweet and fresh. All foreign substances 
in the water are destroyed by the process of distilla- 
tion and evaporation. 

The drinking-tanks are cleaned and cemented 
regularly. Below are the main tanks, which supply 
the boilers with water. Several thousand gallons 
of water are used daily aboard ship, particularly 
when at sea. 

All the exhaust steam from the machinery of the 
ship discharges into the condensers, which contain 
a large number of small tubes. Salt water in its 
cold state is circulated through the condensers. 
By this means all the exhaust steam is condensed. 



128 The American Battleship in Commission 

The water thus condensed is filtered and used again 
for feed-water. Were it not for the condensing 
process ships would be unable to make long voy- 
ages, as the water-supply would soon be exhausted. 

The sanitary tank is also located on the super- 
structure deck. The salt water that has been used 
for cooling purposes by the ice-machines and evap- 
orators empties into this tank. The water from the 
tank is used mostly for flushing purposes. 

The piping system of the ship is a complicated 
affair, and connections are so made that by regulat- 
ing certain valves the supply can be taken from any 
system desired. 

DESCRIPTION OF UNITED STATES VESSELS 

The following lists will give a good description of 
all vessels of 3000 tons displacement or more. 
Only vessels built for warships are included. The 
auxiliary cruisers, supply-ships, colliers, etc., are 
omitted. In time of war the battleships and ar- 
mored cruisers will be looked upon as the most im- 
portant factors. These craft are capable of going 
anywhere to give battle. Colliers, supply-ships, 
and other craft are used to perform the valuable 
services for which they are designed. 

Take, for example, a fleet of warships in foreign 
waters. These vessels must be supplied with coal 
and other things without which they cannot get 



Description of United States Vessels 129 

along. In time of war each nation is thrown on 
its own resources to supply the ships with coal, 
stores, and other necessaries. The neutrality laws 
do not allow vessels of either belligerent to stay in 
a port over a specified time. During this time the 
ships are allowed to take on only enough supplies 
to last them until they reach their nearest port. 

As the monitors are of slow speed, poor sea-boats, 
and incapable of steaming a long distance with their 
coal-supply, they are therefore used for harbor and 
coast defence protection. They were originally 
built for this purpose. No more monitors are 
being built, since the powerful sea-going battleships 
and armored cruisers are taking their place. 

A monthly report is made to the Navy Depart- 
ment regarding the percentage made on the pro- 
gress of each ship under construction at the various 
shipbuilding yards. 

All the lists and tables in this book are compiled 
from the data obtained from the ' ' Annual Report 
of the Chief of Bureau of Construction and Repair 
for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1905. " The 
tables of the battleships, monitors, and the pro- 
tected cruisers are brought up to January 1, 1907. 
A few of the vessels mentioned will not be com- 
missioned until the latter part of the present year, 
1906. Should any of these vessels fail to be com- 
missioned by that date, it would matter but little, 



130 The American Battleship in Commission 

for they could be considered as practically com- 
pleted. 

The data pertaining to the vessels mentioned 
may vary from previous or future lists, since the 
data alter in minor details from various causes. 
For example, the armored cruiser Pennsylvania had 
a contract speed of twenty-two knots, and the horse- 
power to be developed at the trial trip was not to 
be less than 23,000. This vessel made a speed of 
22.44 knots, and her machinery developed 28,600 
horse-power. This of course greatly exceeded the 
terms specified in the contract. 

The data of several of the ships mentioned per- 
tain to the terms specified in the contract. After 
the trial trip the data are sometimes changed in de- 
tail. In most instances the changes look favorable 
for the builders of the vessel. 

The length of the ships is given in even feet. 
The shape and type of a vessel sometimes make 
vessels of the same length appear to be different. 

The column marked " one shot " signifies the 
total weight in pounds of the projectiles fired from 
the main battery of each ship, each gun firing 
once. 

The fighting qualities of a ship cannot be judged 
by the weight of projectiles only, although these 
represent a very important factor. 

A twelve-inch shell weighs 25b pounds less than 



Description of United States Vessels 131 

a thirteen-inch one. Still a twelve-inch gun is 
more powerful and destructive than a thirteen-inch 
gun. For this reason the newer types of ships are 
equipped with twelve-inch guns. The total num- 
ber of guns in the secondary batten' is given, which 
includes the small portable guns that are used by 
the battalion in landing-parties, etc. 

The table entitled " Summary of Important Ves- 
sels Built " will give a good idea of the vessels 
which are built. 

Gunboats under 500 tons, colliers, supply-ships, 
and other craft are omitted from the list. Were 
these included, their data would greatly increase 
the total of the other ships mentioned in the list. 

All the ships mentioned in the lists are not act- 
ually in commission at the same time. Some of 
them may be out of commission temporarily; oth- 
ers may be at the navy-yard being overhauled ; 
perhaps some are laid up with the reserve fleet. 
Vessels attached to the reserve fleet maybe quickly 
utilized, since the skeleton crew are kept aboard to 
keep the ship in order. In time of war all availa- 
ble fighting craft would be quickly assembled and 
formed into fleets, squadrons, and divisions. 

The object in compiling these lists and tables 
was to give the reader an accurate idea of the data 
pertaining to the important ships of the Navy. 
The data will no doubt prove to be of great value 



132. The American Battleship in Commission 

for reference. Through the courtesy of the Chief 
Constructor of the United States Navy, the author 
was allowed to forward all this data pertaining to ves- 
sels of the Navy to the Bureau of Construction and 
Repair for such revision as might be practicable. 
The data in general were found to be correct in all 
essentials, only a few minor corrections being noted. 







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How the Navy has Grown in Twelve Years 1 39 



HOW THE NAVY HAS GROWN IN TWELVE 

YEARS 

The following tables will demonstrate the growth 
of the Navy covering a period of twelve years. 
The first table includes all the armored cruisers, 
monitors, and protected cruisers that were in com- 
mission previous to December 31, 1894. Vessels 
of 3000 tons displacement or more are mentioned 
in the tables. Auxiliary cruisers, gunboats, and 
other less important craft are omitted from the ta- 
bles. These were looked upon a dozen years ago 
as powerful fighting ships, but they cannot com- 
pare with modern vessels. 

By referring to the weight of projectiles fired 
from one of our latest type of battleships, it will be 
seen to equal what the eleven large gunboats, three 
composite gunboats, three light-draught gunboats, 
three unprotected cruisers, and five auxiliary cruisers 
can fire from their main battery. The battleship 
has many other points of advantage besides that 
of firing projectiles. 

When the expense of operating these thirty ships 
is compared with that of a battleship, the books 
will show a balance greatly in favor of the latter. 
This fact demonstrates that the battleship is not 
only the most valuable in war, but also cheaper. 

The aggregate tonnage of these thirty vessels 



140 The American Battleship in Commission 

mentioned in the table under " Summary of Im- 
portant Vessels Built" is 61,686 tons. The num- 
ber of officers required is 410; men required, 5428. 
The tonnage of our latest type of battleship that is 
now in commission is 16,000, and the ship carries 
a complement of 41 officers and 840 men. 

Previous to 1894 no battleships were in commis- 
sion. When the second-class battleships, Texas and 
Maine, and the first-class battleships, Oregon, Indi- 
ana, and Massachusetts, were commissioned, they 
were regarded as great fighting-machines. Our 
latest type of battleship, however, greatly exceeds 
the older type of vessels in various ways. 

In time of war the older type of ships would, 
perhaps, be put in a squadron by themselves. This 
would permit the larger and more powerful type to 
work to better advantage by themselves. Of course, 
should a battle be imminent, all the fighting units 
would be concentrated, since the Navy does not 
fight naval engagements on the instalment plan in 
these days. 

The following changes have been made in the 
tables: The data pertaining to the Maine (old 
Maine} are included in the tables up to 1898. After 
this date the data are deducted, since the Maine was 
lost in the early part of 1898 in the harbor of Ha- 
vana. The data of the protected cruiser Charleston 
(old Charleston) are included in the tables up to 



How the Navy has Grown in Twelve Years 1 4 1 

1900. The Charleston was lost in the Philippines 
during the year 1899. The protected cruiser 
Philadelphia is also included in the tables up to 
1902. After this date the data are deducted, since 
the Philadelphia is now used as a receiving-ship at 
the Puget Sound navy-yard. 

Since only vessels on the active list are included 
in the tables, it would be misleading to carry on 
the data of vessels which were lost or not carried 
on the active list. Our older type of ships were 
rated in a higher class until a few years ago. At 
the present time only battleships and armored 
cruisers are classed as vessels of the first rate 

(1894) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


1 Armored Cruiser 

2 Monitors 

n Protected Cruisers 


8,150 
8,074 

48,558 


34 
30 

288 


535 

379 

3,843 


1,896 

4,700 

11,288 


Total, 14 Ships 


64,782 


352 


4,757 


17,884 



(1896) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


5 Battleships 

2 Armored Cruisers 

6 Monitors 

13 Protected Cruisers 


43,861 

17,365 
26,104 

58,153 


157 

75 

103 

338 


2,556 
1,085 
1,109 

4,583 


25,300 

4,496 

14,562 

13,828 


Total, 26 Ships 


145,483 


673 


9,333 


58,186 



142 The American Battleship in Ojmmission 



(1898) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


5 Battleships 

2 Armored Cruisers 

6 Monitors 

14 Protected Cruise 


48,525 
17,365 
26, 104 

61,583 


l6l 

75 
103 

357 


2,830 
1,085 
1,109 
4,912 


28,298 

4,496 

14,562 

14,328 


Total, 27 Ships 


153,577 


696 


9,936 


61,684 



(1900) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


8 Battleships 
2 Armored Cruisers 
6 Monitors 
14 Protected Cruisers 


83,H7 
17,365 
26,104 
61,283 


269 

75 
103 
356 


4,811 
1,085 
1,109 
4,955 


46,290 

4,496 

14,562 

13,728 


Total, 30 Ships 


187,869 


803 


11,960 


79,076 



(1902) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


11 Battleships 

2 Armored Cruisers 

8 Monitors 
14 Protected Cruisers 


Il8,72I 
17,365 
32,554 
61,283 


372 

75 
129 

356 


6,908 
1,085 

1,527 
4,955 


62,890 

4,496 
18,226 

13,728 


Total, 35 Ships 


229,923 


932 


14,475 


99.340 



(1904) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 1 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


13 Battleships 
2 Armored Cruisers 
10 Monitors 
18 Protected Cruisers 


143,721 

17,365 
39,004 
72,87o 


453 

75 

155 

421 


8,407 
1,085 
1,945 
6,203 


72,898 

4,496 
21,890 
15,028 


Total, 43 Ships 


272,960 


1,104 


17,640 


114,312 



Vessels Under Construction 



i43 



(1906) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


20 Battleships 

10 Armored Cruisers 

10 Monitors 

22 Protected Cruisers 


250,461 

128,445 

39.004 

105,170 


735 
401 

155 
548 


13,947 
7,409 
1,945 
8,436 


120,658 
26,096 
21,890 
19,728 


Total, 62 Ships 


523,080 


1,839 


31,737 


188,372 



VESSELS UNDER CONSTRUCTION* 
(Jan. 1, 1907) 







Displace- 








Name 


Type 


ment 
(Normal) 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


Idaho 


Battleship 


13,000 


34 


691 


6,720 


Mississippi 


Battleship 


13,000 


34 


691 


6,720 


Kansas 


Battleship 


16,000 


41 


840 


7,38o 


Minnesota 


Battleship 


16,000 


41 


840 


7,38o 


New Hampshire 


Battleship 


16,000 


41 


840 


7,38o 


Vermont 


Battleship 


16,000 


41 


840 


7,38o 


Michigan 


Battleship 


16,000 


51 


818 


6,800 


South Carolina 


Battleship 


16,000 


51 


818 


6,800 


Montana 


Armored Cruiser 


14,500 


40 


789 


3,6oo 


North Carolina 


Armored Cruiser 


14,500 


40 


789 


3,6oo 


Birmingham 


Scout Cruiser 


3,750 


16 


340 




Chester 


Scout Cruiser 


3,750 


16 


340 




Salem 


Scout Cruiser 


3,750 


16 


340 




Total, 


13 Ships 


162,250 


462 


8,976 


63,760 



* The majority of these ships are nearing completion, and 
will be commissioned during the years 1907 and 1908. Many 
of these vessels are sister ships to those already in commission. 



144 The American Battleship in Commission 

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT VESSELS BUILT 
(Jan. i, 1907) 





Displace- 








Number and Type of "Ships 


ment 

(Normal) 

(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


20 Battleships 


250,461 


735 


13,947 


120,658 


10 Armored Cruisers 


128,445 


401 


7,409 


25,700 


10 Monitors 


39,004 


155 


1,945 


21,890 


22 Protected Cruisers 


105,1/0 


548 


8,436 


19,728 


3 Unprotected Cruisers 


6,2l6 


45 


738 


1,000 


11 Gunboats 


14,554 


119 


1,682 


2,566 


3 Light-draught Gunboats 


4,155 


3i 


564 


792 


8 Composite Gunboats 


8,422 


80 


1,199 


1,584 


5 Auxiliary Cruisers 


28,339 


135 


1,245 


2,198 


16 Torpedo-boat Destroyers 


6,957 


48 


1,184 




35 Torpedo-boats 


5,707 


67 


935 




Total, 143 Ships 


597,430 


2,364 


39,284 


196.116 



SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT VESSELS UNDER 
CONSTRUCTION 

(Jan. 1, 1907) 



Number and Type of Ships 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Officers 


Men 


One Shot 
(Lbs.) 


8 Battleships 

2 Armored Cruisers 

3 Scout Cruisers 


122,000 
29,000 
11,250 


334 
80 

48 


6,378 
1,578 
1,020 


56,56o 
7,200 


Total, 13 Ships 


162,250 


462 


8,976 


63,760 



CHAPTER VI 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WARSHIPS — TWO YEARS ON 

THE OREGON — HOW A BATTLESHIP IS DOCKED 

— ADMIRAL DEWEY'S FLEET AT MANILA 

BAY COMPARED WITH A MODERN 

BATTLESHIP — HOW THE CREW IS 

DIVIDED — NAVAL NOTES 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WARSHIPS 

IT is a somewhat difficult task to define any set 
rules regarding the size and type of the differ- 
ent warships. 
A "man-o'-war " is very deceiving in regard to 
strength and size. For example, take the small 
protected cruisers. Gazing at them from a distance, 
or looking at a photograph of one, they loom up 
like a battleship or an armored cruiser. A battle- 
ship or armored cruiser, however, could stand off a 
whole fleet of these. 

By knowing the ship's displacement, weight of 
projectiles, and the size and number of guns in the 
main battery, one can easily ascertain the ship's 
strength and class. By referring to the ■ i Descrip- 



146 The American Battleship in Commission 

tion of United States Vessels " in this book, the 
size and strength of any ship can be ascertained. 
This applies to ships of more than three thousand 
tons; the smaller vessels are not included in the 
list, owing to the great number of them. 

In time of battle the battleships and armored 
cruisers bear the brunt of the battle. The smaller 
ships are protected by the large ships when possible. 

The figures given in the description of the dif- 
ferent types of warships apply only to our Navy, 
Many foreign nations, of course, would rate ships 
of a similar size and type in a higher class. 

Battleships are from ten thousand tons up, and 
they, with the armored cruisers, represent the back- 
bone of our Navy. Running the entire length of 
the ship is a belt of armor, which protects the sides 
of the vessel. The thickest portion of this belt is 
amidships; it then tapers down toward the bow 
and the stern. The battleship's largest guns are 
twelve- or thirteen-inch, and are mounted in tur- 
rets which are located forward and aft on the center 
line of the main deck. 

All guns mounted in turrets are in pairs. The 
turret revolves on top of the barbettes, which ex- 
tend down through the lower decks to the handling- 
room below. 

The intermediate guns are four-, five-, six-, or 



Different Types of Warships 147 

seven-inch. These are mounted in broadsides and 
are worked by hand. The main guns, however, are 
operated automatically. 

The ship has a heavy-armored deck which ex- 
tends its whole length. This deck is up to three 
inches in thickness and protects the ship's vitals 
below. The ship with the best armor, armament, 
speed, and the largest steaming radius is the most 
valuable to the Navy. When one considers the 
power required to force a sixteen-thousand-ton ship 
through the water at a speed of eighteen knots an 
hour, one wonders how it is possible. 

Armored Cruisers average fourteen thousand tons 
each. This does not include the Brooklyn or the 
New York. These average about nine thousand 
tons each. 

The largest caliber guns of the armored cruiser 
are eight- or ten-inch guns, which are mounted in 
turrets similar to the ones used on the battleships. 

The armor and armament of an armored cruiser 
are considerably less than that of a battleship. This 
is due to the fact that the armored cruiser is of 
considerably greater speed and also has a larger 
steaming radius. 

Converted Cruisers are steamers which have been 
engaged in the merchant service. Several of these 



148 The American Battleship in Commission 

steamers were purchased previous to the war with 
Spain. Their tonnage varies according to size, 
but they will average six thousand tons each. 
Their largest caliber guns are five-inch. They 
serve various purposes, since they can be used for 
supply-boats, carrying troops, etc., besides assist- 
ing to form a tight blockade against any port. 

Some of the foreign nations compel the ship- 
owners to have their vessels built under certain 
plans, so that in case of war the ships can be quickly 
converted into cruisers. By strengthening the ship 
in the proper places a battery of large-caliber guns 
can be quickly installed. 

Gunboats vary from one hundred to two thousand 
tons. The expense attached to operating a gun- 
boat is insignificant when compared with that of a 
large ship. Gunboats relieve the larger ships from 
running around. Should trouble arise anywhere, 
these small vessels or cruisers are sent to investi- 
gate. Should the trouble prove to be of a serious 
nature, the whole fleet would soon be in readiness 
for action. 

The largest caliber guns are six-inch. These 
have a heavy shield over and around them. Many 
gunboats have coffer-dams, which are hollow com- 
partments filled with cellulose. Should a shell pene- 
trate the ship below the water-line, the water would 



Different Types of Warships 149 

cause the cellulose to swell and thus the hole to be 
closed. The coal-bunkers are filled with coal and 
also act as a preventative against shells. 

Gunboats are of great use in shallow water on 
account of being of light draught. 

Torpedo-boats are in two classes. Torpedo-boat 
destroyers are long, narrow vessels about two hun- 
dred and fifty feet in length. The regular torpedo- 
boats are about half the size and strength of the 
destroyers. The construction of all torpedo-boats 
is very light, and their interior contains an enor- 
mous amount of machinery. 

The destroyers make twenty-eight knots or more 
in speed, and their tonnage varies between four and 
five hundred tons. Their horse-power is as high 
as eight thousand. This, of course, is enormous 
when compared with the small tonnage. The arm- 
ament consists of a few three-inch and six-pounder 
guns, and the boats are also equipped with several 
torpedo-tubes, through which the torpedoes are 
fired. 

The destroyers make excellent despatch and 
patrol boats on account of their great speed. 

The secondary battery of all ships is used mostly 
to repel torpedo-boat attacks, so that when these 
boats attempt to torpedo a ship the movements 
must be very rapid. 



1 50 The American Battleship in Commission 

Protected Cruisers could be divided into two 
classes: second-rate cruisers vary between four 
and nine thousand tons ; third-rate cruisers vary- 
between three and four thousand tons. Protected 
cruisers have a much smaller armor and armament 
than the armored cruisers. Their largest caliber 
guns are eight-inch, some of which are mounted 
in turrets on the larger type of protected cruisers. 

This class of ships is of great value, because they 
perform a great deal of scout duty, commerce-de- 
stroying, etc. They have a protective deck, both 
sides of which slant in order to divert the course of 
a shell should one strike it. A protective deck 
performs much the same functions as an armored 
deck, although, of course, the protective deck is 
much smaller. 

The average speed of the protected cruiser is 
about twenty knots, although several exceed that 
speed. Three scout cruisers are being built, and 
these will make twenty-four or more knots. They 
also have a large bunker capacity, which will give 
them a great steaming radius. These craft will be 
of great value in war-time, because they will be 
able to keep in touch with the enemy, overhaul fast 
merchant steamers, etc. 

Monitors were built for coast defence purposes, 
and are kept around home ports. They are seldom 



Different Types of Warships 151 

sent to sea for long voyages, although the Monterey 
and Monadnock made a successful voyage from San 
Francisco to Manila, a distance of about six thou- 
sand miles. 

A monitor has very little freeboard — that is, the 
ship's sides do not extend very high out of the water. 
Their freeboard is about a foot, and in time of 
action the flooding-tanks could be filled so that 
only the ship's turrets and upper works would be 
exposed to fire. 

The largest caliber guns on a monitor are ten- or 
twelve-inch, and these are mounted in turrets. 

A monitor represents half a battleship in appear- 
ance. Should another deck be built on top of the 
monitor's main deck and be armored on the sides, 
the vessel would in reality be a regular battleship. 

The tonnage of the monitors ranges between 
three and six thousand tons. 

Some of the smaller monitors have only a single 
turret, in which two twelve-inch guns are mounted. 
The speed of a monitor varies from eleven to four- 
teen knots. 



152 The American Battleship in Commission 

TWO YEARS ON THE OREGON 

When a ship is commissioned and ready for 
service she is generally attached to some fleet or 
squadron. 

Many opportunities are given an enlisted man to 
go ashore and visit the many sights and scenes that 
are to be encountered, particularly when in a for- 
eign port. In time of peace a warship generally 
lingers a while in each port. 

The Oregon set forth from San Francisco en route 
to the Asiatic station to join Rear- Admiral Evans's 
fleet on November 1, 1902. After leaving Hono- 
lulu, bound for Yokohama, the ship ran into a ter- 
rific typhoon, which carried away several of the 
small boats and caused considerable damage about 
the upper decks of the ship. About midnight of 
November 2J, 1902, when the storm was at its 
worst, an enormous sea swept over the entire ship, 
crushing in the starboard side of the pilot-house. 
Good seamanship and a good ship came out ahead, 
for the Oregon escaped with a safe hull, and none of 
the main parts of the ship were injured. At the 
time the Oregon was built she was known as a coast- 
defence battleship, because of the fact that she had 
a small freeboard. 

When the Oregon made her famous trip from San 
Francisco to Santiago, a run of about fourteen 



Two Years on the Oregon 153 

thousand miles, her reputation as a sea-going ship 
was firmly established. 

Upon reaching Yokohama the ship was taken to 
a Japanese shipyard, where all damages caused by 
the storm were repaired. Upon the completion of 
repairs the Oregon joined Rear- Admiral Evans's fleet. 

The Japanese and Russian war caused all war- 
ships to leave and stay away from the ports of both 
belligerents. It is strictly against the neutrality 
laws for a warship of any nation to visit or stay in 
any port of either belligerent while a state of war 
exists. No doubt the Oregon would have visited 
many other ports were it not for this war. 

The following is a complete list of the ports visited 
by the Oregon, covering a period of two years : 

ITINERARY CRUISE OF THE OREGON 



Departed from 
San Francisco, Cal. 
Honolulu, H. I. 
Yokohama, Japan 
Uraga, Japan 
Yokohama, Japan 
Woosung, China 
Hong Kong, China 
Amoy, China 
Yangtse River, China 
Nagasaki, Japan 
Yokohama, Japan 
Kobe, Japan 



Date of sailing 
Nov. i, 1902 
Nov. 23, 1902 
Dec. 13, 1902 
Feb. 17, 1903 
Feb. 18, 1903 
Mar. 14, 1903 
Apr. 4, 1903 
Apr. 7, 1903 
Apr. 12, 1903 
Apr. 17, 1903 
May 29, 1903 
May 31, 1903 



Length of stay 
I month, 11 days 
13 days 
8 days 

1 month, 17 days 
11 days 

17 days 
17 days 

2 days 

3 days 
3 days 

1 month, 9 days 
Hove to for pilot 



i54 The American Battleship in Commission 



Departed from 
Inland Sea, Japan 
Cheefoo, China 
Taku, China 
Cheefoo, China 
Tsnigtau, China 
Nagasaki, Japan 
Kobe, Japan 
Yokohama, Japan 
Yokosuka, Japan 
Yokohama, Japan 
Honolulu, H. I. 
Wake Island 
Guam, L. I. 
Cavite, P. I. 
Olongapo, P. I. 
Target Range, Manila Bay 
Cavite, P. I. 
Hong Kong, China 
Cavite, P. I. 
Woosung, China 



Date of sailing 
June 2, 1903 
June 11, 1903 
June 17, 1903 
Sept. 20, 1903 
Sept. 26, 1903 
Oct. 20, 1903 
Oct. 27, 1903 
Nov. 13, 1903 
Nov. 18, 1903 
Dec. 5, 1903 
Dec. 29, 1903 
Jan. 6, 1904 
Jan. 13, 1904 
Jan. 20, 1904 
Feb. 8, 1904 
Feb. 27, 1904 
May 20, 1904 
June 15, 1904 
June 22, 1904 
Oct 27, 1904 



Length of stay 
i day en route 
6 days 
5 days 

3 months, 2 days 
5 days 

22 days 
5 days 

16 days 
5 days 

17 days 
13 days 
iday 

3 days 
2 days 
19 days 
19 days 

2 months, 23 days 

23 days 
5 days 

4 months 



HOW A BATTLESHIP IS DOCKED 

Located at the different navy-yards are one or 
more dry-docks. These are large enough to ac- 
commodate the largest size warship. 

Battleships are docked every six months when 
practicable, and as a rule they are never allowed to 
go without docking longer than nine months. The 
naval constructor of the navy-yard, assisted as 
much as possible by the officers and crew of the 
ship, has charge of docking the ship. The captain 




o s 



How a Battleship is Docked 155 

is in charge until the bow of his ship crosses the 
sill of the dock ; the naval constructor then takes 
charge of the docking. 

All ships carry a complete set of docking-plans, 
which give the exact dimensions of the ship, etc. 
The dock people take these plans and set up the 
blocking accordingly. 

The majority of our battleships are well over twelve 
thousand tons, and when one considers the difficul- 
ties and obstacles to be overcome, he would Quickly 
realize the magnitude of the task of docking a large 
warship. Should one set of blocking be out of 
place or out of form, it would perhaps ruin the ship. 

A dry-dock is a large excavation dug out of the 
ground. One end of it borders on the sea. The 
sides and bottom of i the dock are made up of huge 
blocks of stone, which are closely fitted and ce- 
mented together. The back end of the dock is 
called the sill, and is built up very strongly, so that 
the gate of the dock fits firmly against it. In the 
center line of the bottom of the dock is one con- 
tinuous row of blocking, which is of uniform height 
and is known as the keel blocking, because the 
keel of the ship rests against it. Running out 
toward the sides of the dock are many large tim- 
bers, which are well blocked up underneath. The 
bilge blocking rests against these timbers when the 
ship settles and rests on the keel blocks. This 



156 The American Battleship in Commission 

bilge blocking is slipped over these timbers until 
they fit snugly under the ship's bilges and thus 
help to support the ship. The bilges are the flat 
portions of the ship's bottom. 

Bilge blocking is made up in various shapes and 
sizes because of the fact that the ship's bottom 
varies in form. The bilge blocking is slid over 
the timbers through a system of tracks and chains. 

The dock-gate looks somewhat like a small barge. 
It is hollow, and when filled with water sinks into 
position and forms a tight joint, thus allowing the 
water to be pumped out of the dock. The dock- 
gate also contains several gate-valves. Upon 
opening these valves the sea-water enters the dock 
and floods it. When the dock is filled the gate is 
pumped out until it finally floats clear of the sill, 
and it is then taken to one side in order to allow 
the ship to enter or leave the dock. The ship is 
assisted to dock with tugs or else warped there with 
large hawsers. 

All docking is done at high tide, and as soon 
as the ship's bow enters the dock she is warped 
into position with the assistance of many lines. 
When the ship passes over the sill of the dock the 
gate is brought into position and sunk. This gate 
has a large rubber gasket on the inner side, and the 
pressure of the sea without presses the gate into 
position, thus forming a water-tight joint. When 



How a Battleship is Docked 157 

the gate is in position and the ship is properly 
placed, the naval constructor signals to the pump- 
house to commence pumping. 

The pump-house contains large centrifugal pumps 
which send out an enormous stream of water. As 
the water lowers in the dock the ship lowers with 
it, until she finally settles on the keel blocks. 

Great caution must be exercised in seeing that 
the ship is placed in the exact position designated. 
Should the ship be misplaced in the slightest de- 
gree, the other blocking would not fit. When the 
ship rests well on the keel blocks the pumps are 
stopped. 

When the ship is well shored the pumps are 
started up again. As the water is lowering in the 
dock a small army of men are scraping the sea- 
growth off the ship's bottom, because this is more 
easily done when the ship is wet. 

When the water in the dock is getting low, the 
bilge blocking is slipped under the ship's bilges, 
thus helping to hold the ship up. When the dock 
is nearly empty the ship is shored up with many 
timbers, because great care must be taken to avoid 
straining the ship. After the dock is pumped dry 
all necessary repairs are made ; sea-valves, suction- 
pipes, rudder, propellers, etc., below the water-line 
are thoroughly overhauled. 

When the ship's bottom is well scrubbed and 



158 The American Battleship in Commission 

cleaned, it is given a couple of coats of paint, the 
latter of which is applied while the dock is being 
flooded. This paint gives better results when left 
to dry under water. The invention of a paint 
which would keep the ship free of marine growth 
would mean a fortune to the inventor. 

The various nations often allow a warship of an- 
other nation to dock in their own navy-yards. This 
is done as an act of courtesy, because at times it is 
inconvenient to dock a ship at a private dock-yard. 

After a ship is ready to be undocked all sea- 
valves, etc., are closed, and the valves in the dock- 
gate are opened. The dock is then slowly flooded. 
When the dock is nearly flooded the horizontal 
shores are knocked adrift, and when the dock fills 
the ship floats clear of all blocking on which she is 
resting. The dock-gate is then pumped out until 
it floats clear of the sill, ,when it is removed to one 
side and the ship taken out. 

The ship is worked out of the dock with large 
hawsers ; tugs stand by to tow her to her berth ; 
or the ship may have steam up in the main boilers. 
This would dispense with the services of the tugs. 

As the ship clears the dock the gate is brought 
into position and sunk, and the dock pumped out ; 
all blocking, etc., is then rearranged for the next 
vessel on the docking list. 

Often two or more small-size ships are docked 



How a Battleship is Docked 159 

together. At the navy-yard docks is a large trav- 
eling crane which turns around the edge of the 
dock. This crane is of great use in dismounting 
guns, etc. 

The Navy has a large floating dry-dock in the Phil- 
ippines which is used by the ships on duty around 
that vicinity. This dock is of great capacity, and 
is able to dock the largest size cruiser or battleship. 
This dry-dock is worked on the pontoon principle. 
The dock is submerged deep enough to allow a ship 
to float over it. When the ship is properly placed 
the flooded pontoons are pumped out until the ship 
is raised clear of the water. Then the ship is 
cleaned and repaired. 

By reflooding the pontoons the dock quickly 
settles, and when sunk sufficiently the ship floats 
clear. 

One valuable feature of this dock is that it can 
dock itself when necessary for repairs, etc. The 
pontoons are so arranged with connecting-bolts 
that they will lift each other clear of the water. 



160 The American Battleship in Commission 



ADMIRAL DEWEY'S FLEET AT MANILA BAY 
COMPARED WITH A MODERN BATTLESHIP 

The following comparison will give a good idea 
of the fighting strength of a modern battleship 
compared with that of an average fleet of smaller 
size vessels. All the warships which participated 
in the battle of Manila Bay have since been placed 
out of commission. They were thoroughly over- 
hauled and a different type and caliber of gun was 
installed. 

The figures referring to the main battery are of 
1898. The column marked " one shot " signifies 
the total weight of projectiles fired from each ship. 
Each gun of the main battery fired once or simulta- 
neously. The secondary battery is omitted, as the 
total weight of projectiles fired would not amount 
to a great deal. 

Six-pounder guns are generally the largest size 
guns in the secondary battery of medium-size 
ships. Ten guns of this caliber would fire only 
sixty pounds of metal, each gun firing once. 



Admiral Dewey's Fleet at Manila Bay 161 



II 

a 
& 




Displace- 
ment 
( Tons) 




v 


at 

■as 

CQ 




•CO 
O 


Olympia 

Baltimore 

Raleigh 

Boston 

Concord 
Petrel 


Protected Cruiser 
Protected Cruiser 
Protected Cruiser 

Protected Cruiser 

Gunboat 
Gunboat 


5,865 
4,413 
3,183 

3,000 

1,620 
892 


17,080 

8,778 
8,500 

4,300 

3,359 
1,008 


21.69 
20.10 
19.00 

15.6 
16.8 

n. 8 


j four 8' j 
1 ten 5" ) 
j four 8" [ 
I six 6" ) 
j ten 5" ) 
( one 6" J 
j two 8" I 
( six 6" J 
six 6" 
four 6" 


1.500 

1,600 

600 

I,IOO 

600 
400 




Total 6 Ships 


18,973 








5,800 



U. S. S. CONNECTICUT 





S 


1> 

a 
>> 
H 


Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 


Ph* 


T3 «b 

en* 


C »H 


Cw 

O 


Connecticut 


Battleship 


16,000 


16,500 


18 


( four 12" ) 
] eight 8" V 
( twelve 7" ) 


7,38o 



Admiral Dewey's fleet had a displacement of 
only 2973 tons more than the Connecticut. The 
Connecticut discharges 1580 pounds more metal 
than Admiral Dewey's fleet. 



1 62 The American Battleship in Commission 

HOW THE CREW IS DIVIDED 

It seems that naval literature never grows stale. 
A glance through the various periodicals and news- 
papers of the country is witness to the truth of this 
assertion. All of the statements which appear in 
print, however, are not true to fact. For instance : 
a periodical may refer to some magistrate who is 
not fully aware that the men of the Navy are all 
honorable men, having given some incorrigible the 
choice of joining the Navy or going to the reform 
school. An incident of this nature casts reflection 
on the enlisted personnel of the service ; it also 
creates an unfavorable impression on the general 
public. 

The Navy never has been, and never will be, the 
headquarters for men who should be in the peniten- 
tiary. The reader can judge the truth of same by 
referring to a quotation from "The Bluejacket," a 
naval magazine published by an enlisted man. The 
remark in question is as follows : " Every good man 
brought into the Navy is an invitation for some 
undesirable one to get out." 

Now and then an " undesirable" may manage to 
enlist in the service. When his true character is 
discovered, however, he is then dishonorably dis- 
charged from the service. The naval regulations 
contain several clauses relating to the discharge of 



How the Crew is Divided 163 

any man who may turn out to be worthless. When 
a person of this character is "beached" (man-o'-war 
lingo) he is discharged for inaptitude, which, in 
plain English, means worthless. In this way the 
lower element is quickly weeded out of the Navy. 

The term " sixteen-dollar-a-month- Jackie M once 
in a while appears in print. Regarding the title, 
there is not a bluejacket in the Navy to-day that 
likes to be called a Jackie. The name seems repul- 
sive in every respect. 

There are many other proper terms used when 
referring to the enlisted men, such as Jack, sailors, 
bluejackets, Jack-tar, man-o'-wars-man, etc. Any 
of these titles are quite appropriate, but the term 
"Jackie " is entirely out of place. In regard to the 
■ ' sixteen-dollar-a-month- Jackie, " the author has had 
the following table compiled. This shows in plain 
figures the average pay of the enlisted men of the 
Navy. The list is taken from the U. S. S. Mary- 
land, one of our armored cruisers. The monthly 
pay is averaged up in the list. For instance, the 
monthly pay of the six chief machinist's mates aver- 
ages $72. 11 each. 

The list was compiled in 1906 and thus repre- 
sents the pay received at that time. The wage 
scale is more apt to be underestimated than over- 
estimated, from the fact that the pay of the extra 
rates is not included. 



1 64 The American Battleship in Commission 

When a person re-enlists his pay is greatly in- 
creased by averaging it up. Take, for instance, the 
chief master-at-arms of the Maryland : he averages 
$73.50 a month. When he re-enlists he will be 
given four months' pay gratis, and $1.36 a month 
additional. This would cause his pay to average 
$80.98 a month during his four-year enlistment. 

In averaging up the pay of the crew of the Mary- 
land 'it will be seen that each man averages $29.65 
a month. The same could refer to the entire Navy, 
for all ships rate a certain allowance of men of each 
rate, which is, of course, regulated by the size and 
type of the ship. The complement of a ship may 
vary slightly, for various reasons. One ship may 
happen to have two plumbers aboard, but in reality 
only one is rated. The extra plumber would event- 
ually be transferred to some other ship which might 
require him in her complement. It must also be 
taken into consideration that an enlisted man is fed 
and quartered by the Navy, all medical attendance 
is free, and they are furnished with the first outfit 
of clothing. 



How the Crew is Divided 165 



U. S. S. MARYLAND 

Seaman Branch: Pay per Mo. Pay per Mo. 

Each Collectively 

i Chief Master-at-Arms $73-5° $73-5° 

i Chief Boatswain's Mate 73-5° 73-5° 

i Chief Gunner's Mate 75*5° 75-5° 

2 Chief Quartermasters 73-5° 147.00 

2 Masters-at-Arms, 1st class 42.11 84.22 

4 Boatswain's Mates, 1st class 42.11 168.44 

4 Gunner's Mates, 1st class 44-n 176.44 

2 Turret Captains 65.00 130.00 

1 Quartermaster, 1st class 42.11 42.11 

2 Masters-at-Arms, 2d class 35. 00 70.00 

6 Boatswain's Mates, 2d class 35. 00 210.00 

4 Gunner's Mates, 2d class 35. 00 140.00 

1 Quartermaster, 2d class 35 .00 35. 00 

3 Masters-at-Arms, 3d class 3^-36 94.08 

15 Coxswains 36.36 545.40 

5 Gunner's Mates, 3d class 33-36 166.80 

2 Quartermasters, 3d class 3*36 62.72 

119 Seamen 26.11 3107.09 

180 Ordinary Seamen 19.00 3420.00 

355 Men Average monthly pay, $24.81 $8821.80 
Engine-room Force: 

6 Chief Machinist's Mates $72.11 $432.66 

4 Chief Water-tenders 72. n 288.44 

6 Machinist's Mates, 1st class 57. n 342.66 

2 Boiler-makers , 67. 1 1 134. 22 

3 Blacksmiths 5 1 -36 154.08 

2 Coppersmiths 56.36 112.72 

14 Water-tenders, 1st class 41.36 579.04 

8 Machinist's Mates, 2d class 4 2 -75 342.00 

14 Oilers 39.11 547-54 

48 Firemen, 1st class 36-36 1745.28 

48 Firemen, 2d class 30.00 1440.00 

107 Coal-passers 22.00 2354.00 

262 Men Average monthly pay, $32.38 $8472.64 



1 66 The American Battleship in Commission 

Artificers' Branch : Pa y P er Mo - Pa y P er Mo- 
Each Collectively 

2 Chief Electricians (i wireless). . . .$72.11 $144.22 

1 Chief Carpenter's Mate 72.11 72.11 

9 Electricians, 1st class (1 wireless) . 52.11 468.99 

1 Carpenter's Mate, 1st class 42.11 42.11 

1 Ship-fitter, 1st class 56.36 56.36 

1 Painter, 1st class 43. 36 43. 36 

1 Sail-maker's Mate 41.36 41-36 

2 Plumbers and Fitters 48.36 96.72 

5 Electricians, 2d class (1 wireless) . 41.36 206.80 

1 Carpenter's Mate, 2d class 36.36 36.36 

1 Ship-fitter, 2d class 40.00 40.00 

1 Painter, 2d class 35. 00 35.00 

5 Electricians, 3d class (1 wireless). 32.00 160.00 

1 Carpenter's Mate, 3d class 32.00 32.00 

1 Painter, 3d class 32.00 32.00 

2 Shipwrights 25.00 50.00 

'"TjMen Average monthly pay, $44-5° $ J 557-39 

Special Branch : 

5 Chief Yeomen $75-47 $377-35 

1 Chief Commissary Steward 75-47 75-47 

1 Hospital Steward 61.36 61.36 

1 Bandmaster 53-36 53.36 

2 Yeomen, 1st class 43-36 86.72 

1 First Musician 37-36 37.36 

2 Yeomen, 2d class 37.00 74.00 

3 Yeomen, 3d class 32.00 96.00 

1 Printer 36.36 36 .36 

2 Hospital Apprentices, 1st class ... 31.36 62.72 
2 Hospital Apprentices 20.00 40.00 

6 Musicians, 1st class 32.00 192.00 

8 Musicians, 2d class 30.00 240.00 

2 Buglers 30.00 60.00 

37 Men Average monthly pay, $44.50 $1492.70 



How the Crew is Divided 167 

Messmen Branch : Pa ? P er Mo - Pa y P er Mo- 

Each Collectively 

i Cabin Steward $52.11 $52.11 

1 Cabin Cook 47. 11 47. 1 1 

1 Ward-room Steward 52.11 52.11 

1 Ward-room Cook 47. 11 47. 11 

1 Steerage Steward 37. 1 1 37. 1 1 

1 Steerage Cook 32.11 32. 1 1 

1 Warrant Officers' Steward 37. n 37. n 

1 Warrant Officers' Cook 32.11 32.11 

1 Ship's Cook, 1st class 57. 11 57. n 

2 Ship's Cooks, 2d class 42.11 84.22 

4 Ship's Cooks, 3d class 32.11 128.44 

5 Ship's Cooks, 4th class 25.00 125.00 

1 Baker, 1st class 47. n 47. n 

3 Bakers, 2d class 35-°° 105.00 

18 Mess Attendants 25.00 450.00 

42 Men Average monthly pay, $31.75 $1333.76 

GRAND TOTAL 

Total number of enlisted men 731 

The crew's wages for a month $21,678.29 

The crew's wages for a year $260,139.48 

Average monthly pay per man $29 65 

Monthly ration money, at $9.00 per man . . . .$6,579.00 

NAVAL NOTES 
When lying at anchor, particularly in the home 
ports, warships are thrown open to visitors when 
practicable. Sunday afternoon is generally visiting- 
day, and the visitors flock aboard the ship by the 
thousands. Nor are they satisfied until they have 
explored every nook and corner of the ship. Some 
would even walk right into the captain's cabin to 



1 68 The American Battleship in Commission 

see what kind of breakfast food he used if the 
orderly did not stop them. 

The interior of the ship is all metal. When 
the interior is first painted a final coat of sticky 
paint is used. Before the paint dries ground bits 
of cork are sprayed over it. This prevents the 
ship from sweating. The living-quarters of the 
officers and the crew only are treated with this pro- 
cess. All pipes about the ship are covered with 
felt, asbestos, etc. 

If a recruit were told to take the jackasses out of 
the manger he would think some one was trying to 
"jolly" him. Some ships have sections of rubber 
which fit over the anchor-chain links. One end is 
tapered, and when drawn into the hawse-pipes they 
form a tight joint and thus keep out the sea-water. 
These sections of rubber are called " jackasses/' 
Many ships have a small partition running across 
the hawse-pipes. The space in front of this parti- 
tion is called the "manger." So when the order 
is given to " take the jackasses out of the manger " 
it is strictly regulation. 

Among the illustrations in this book is one of 
the Naval Y. M. C. A. building of Brooklyn, 
which cost half a million dollars, and it is for the 
exclusive use of Navy men. Here Jack can " drop 



Naval Notes 169 

anchor" when ashore and feel that he is at home 
and welcome. The building contains several hun- 
dred rooms, bowling-alleys, restaurant, laundry, 
swimming-pool, etc. The place is well patronized. 
Over three hundred thousand dollars was deposited 
for safe-keeping during the year 1905. There are 
several of these institutions in the different parts 
of the country, and the good that they accom- 
plish can hardly be estimated. 

Located about the decks are several leak-stopper 
boxes, each containing a set of canvas-covered plugs 
of assorted sizes. In time of battle should a shell 
penetrate the ship's side and leave a clean hole, a 
plug would be quickly inserted and set up with a 
special clamping device, which would readily stop 
the leak. These stoppers are filled with cellulose, 
which swells when wet. 

As soon as the ship reaches her anchorage spot 
the engines are reversed, and when the ship com- 
mences to move astern the anchor is ordered let go. 
The leadsman leaves the lead resting on the bottom. 
When the ship goes astern the lead-line drags 
through his hand, and he then reports " ship is 
moving astern, sir!" This same method is used 
during stormy weather to tell whether or not the 
ship is dragging her anchors. 



1 70 The American Battleship in Commission 

The temperatures of the magazines are taken 
daily. Most of them contain thermostats, which 
are electrical devices for ringing an alarm when the 
temperature is rising too high. The alarm rings 
on deck, and by referring to the dial-board the exact 
location can be ascertained. The coal-bunkers are 
also equipped with thermostats. 

Officers use the starboard gangway in coming 
and going from the ship, the crew using the port 
gangway. In returning to the ship after taps in a 
shore boat, an officer would reply "aye, aye," 
when hailed from the ship. An enlisted man would 
reply " hello." Should it be the captain, he would 
answer the name of his ship. All boats approach- 
ing the ship after taps are hailed by the sentries or 
quartermaster on watch. 

When steaming in fleet formation each ship has 
a speed-cone displayed from the signal-yard. When 
hauled all the way up it signifies ' ' engines are 
going at full speed ahead;" when half-way up, 
"half speed;" when quarter- way up, "quarter 
speed." Should the cone not be seen, the engines 
are stopped. In case the engines are reversing, the 
cone is turned upside down and hoisted as the above. 

All ships carry one or two barbers, who are gen- 
erally apprentice seamen. They are excused, how- 



Naval Notes 171 

ever, from most of the routine work of the ship. 
The barbers furnish their own tools and equipment, 
and generally charge the crew fifty cents a month 
for all tonsorial work needed during that period. 
The majority of the "hot air" aboard ship origi- 
nates from the vicinity of the barber-shop. 

During a big storm oil is sometimes used with 
good effect to deaden the seas. An oil-bag secured 
with a stout line is filled with oil and thrown over- 
board. The continual swashing about causes the 
oil to ooze out, and as soon as the oil comes in con- 
tact with the water it quickly spreads over a large 
area, thus helping to deaden the seas. 

There are several men aboard ship who own 
sewing-machines and do tailoring work for the crew. 
They are called " sheenies " and their sewing-ma- 
chines are called " hurdy-gurdies," from the fact 
that they have to be turned by hand. These tai- 
lors make quite a sum of money. All clothes made 
by them have to be strictly regulation. For in- 
stance, a pair of trousers must have fourteen but- 
tons on it, measure so wide at the bottom, etc. 

Members of the crew take great pride in showing 
visitors around the ship. Nothing is more repul- 
sive to a bluejacket, however, than to have a visi- 



1 72 The American Battleship in Commission 

tor whom he has been conducting around the ship 
insist on offering him money for his services. 
Some will accept a cigar as an act of courtesy, but 
nothing more. Should a bluejacket accept money 
and his shipmates learn of the fact, he would get a 
good calling down. 

Once a month the crew are mustered aft on the 
quarter-deck, where all official matter appertaining 
to the crew is read out ; also the rules and regula- 
tions governing the United States Navy. These 
are read out of the Blue Book by the executive 
officer. 

December 1, 1904, the rate of apprentice boy 
was abolished. Those in the service had their rate 
changed. First-class apprentices were made sea- 
men and given a three- dollar increase in pay; 
second-class apprentices were made ordinary sea- 
men and given a four-dollar increase ; third-class 
apprentices were made apprentice seamen and given 
a seven-dollar increase. At the same time the ti- 
tle of landsman was abolished. All landsmen are 
now known and enlisted as apprentice seamen. 

The crew mess at swinging tables, about twenty 
men being assigned to each mess. After the meals 
all gear is cleaned and restowed, and tables and 




Naval Y. M. C. A. Building, Brooklyn, N. Y. This building is for the exclusive 
use of the enlisted men when ashore. 



Naval Notes 173 

benches are lifted overhead, where they are secured. 
At night the hammocks swing under the tables; 
hence Jack sleeps over where he eats and eats un- 
der where he sleeps. 

Naval officers, from captain to ensign, wear the 
following gold stripes on their sleeves : a captain 
has four stripes; commander has three stripes; 
lieutenant-commander has two and one-half stripes ; 
lieutenant, senior grade, has two stripes; lieuten- 
ant, junior grade, has one and one-half stripes; 
ensign has one stripe. Chief boatswains, chief 
gunners, chief carpenters, and chief sail-makers 
rank with but after an ensign, and wear one stripe, 
broken in places, on their coat-sleeves. 

When an ex-bluejacket with an honorable dis- 
charge registers at any navy-yard for employment, 
he is put on the eligible list ahead of all others. 
In taking the Civil Service examination a certain 
percentage is allowed for an honorable discharge. 

Should a shipmate die, his bag of clothes is sold 
at auction. If his folks are poor and the crew are 
aware of this fact, the bag of clothes will some- 
times net a couple of hundred dollars. All the 
money derived from the sale is sent to the folks of 
the deceased. 



1 74 The American Battleship in Commission 

Uncle Sam's warships are always welcomed in a 
foreign port. This is because Jack is well paid and 
of a liberal disposition, and spends considerable 
money. Merchants of all classes receive a share 
of it. 

When an " ola salt " begins to imagine that he 
is getting *tired of the sea he commences to talk 
about farming, a chicken ranch being a favorite 
theme. Some do actually start one, but that kind 
of life soon gets monotonous, and they soon sell out 
for whatever price they can get and go to sea again. 

The ship's bell is struck every half-hour. At 
four, eight, and twelve o'clock eight bells are 
struck. Every half-hour after these three periods 
an additional bell is struck, starting in at one bell 
until eight bells are reached, it then being four, 
eight, or twelve o'clock, as the case may be. 

During war-time the ships are painted war color, 
which is a dark green or slate color. It is a diffi- 
cult matter to make out from a distance a ship that 
is painted in either of these colors. 

Should one of the crew urgently neea money 
before the regular pay day he can obtain the same 
by making a special money requisition, which must 
be approved of by the captain. 



Naval Notes 175 

The paymaster issues small stores to the men 
once a month. Those wishing to draw clothing, 
soap, tobacco, etc., hand in a list shortly before 
issuing-day. The paymaster carries a stock of all 
necessary articles needed by the crew. Small arti- 
cles can also be purchased from the ship's canteen. 

When a man-o'-war arrives in a foreign port 
there is a great scramble among the bumboats to 
get aboard the ship with their wares to sell to the 
crew. A great mixture of languages is used in 
buying or selling. Should a Chinaman be selling, 
he would talk "pigeon" English. Jack would 
reply likewise. 

On entering or leaving port seamen are stationed 
in the chains to heave the lead. The result is 
drawled out in a peculiar voice, thus: " Q-u-a-r- 
t-e-r less six, by the m-a-r-k five." 

Several of the ship's boats have a gun-mount 
platform at the bow, and in case of a landing- or 
boarding-party being sent away from the ship, the 
small machine-guns are mounted on them. 

All the larger types of ships are equipped with 
the wireless-telegraph system. Electricians are 
especially trained at the electrical school to make 



1 76 The American Battleship in Commission 

them proficient with the wireless system. The 
wireless telegraph was of great value in the Japa- 
nese and Russian war. 

A V hang fire " pertains to a loaded gun that has 
failed to go off after the firing-lanyard or trigger has 
been pulled. Great caution is exercised in opening 
the breech-plug. On the large-caliber guns the 
breech-plug is not allowed to be opened till sev- 
eral minutes have elapsed. 

Smokeless powder is tested regularly, as the gun- 
sights are regulated according to weight and 
strength of powder-charge used. The powder is 
sometimes sent back to the powder-works, where it 
is worked over again. 

Chief petty officers are the highest enlisted men 
aboard ship. They have a mess and cook of their 
own, and their general surroundings and duties 
are very congenial. It is the ambition of every 
man to reach that rank, although there are several 
rates which rank no higher than a first-class petty 
officer. 

The lower decks are of steel. Extra heavy lino- 
leum, which is kept well shellaced at all times, is 
laid on these decks. 



Naval Notes 177 

Bag inspection is often held. Jack brings out 
his bag of clothes and takes it to quarters, where 
his division officer inspects it. All clothes must 
be strictly regulation, and each member of the crew 
must have a certain amount of wearing apparel. 

The little gunboat Petrel, which was with Admi- 
ral Dewey's fleet at Manila Bay, is called the baby 
battleship. She is under nine hundred tons dis- 
placement, but she has four six-inch guns in her 
main battery. 

Every officer and enlisted man salutes as he steps 
aboard a warship. Should the officer of the deck 
be at hand, he returns the salute ; otherwise Old 
Glory silently approves, 

It is said that a sailor works like a horse for his 
money and spends it like a jackass; but if the 
amount of money which is sent home in allotments 
and deposited in the ship's bank was known, it 
would perhaps tell a different story. 

All gingerbread work about the ship, such as the 
bridge, pilot-house, etc., could be shot away in 
time of a battle, and this would not impair the 
ship's usefulness as long as the machinery, maga- 
zines, and steering-gear remain intact. Several spare 



1 78 The American Battleship in Commission 

sets of steering-gear are located in different parts 
of the ship. 

Target practice is sometimes held at night. The 
search-lights are thrown on the target as the ship 
speeds past the range, and the gun-pointers aim and 
fire the guns as though it were day-time. 

When a person deserts from the Navy, his near- 
est of kin are generally notified ; also the authori- 
ties of his home town. A deserter also forfeits 
his citizenship rights. 

All ships of the world carry a set of international 
signals, which enable them to signal with each other 
at any time. 

When a medal is given to an enlisted man he is 
called to the front at muster, and generally the 
captain himself pins it on the owner's breast, ac- 
companied by an appropriate remark. 

Some of the foreign Navies have torpedo-booms 
attached to their ships. Torpedo-booms consist of 
a series of poles which can be extended out from 
the ship's sides. A large steel net is attached to 
the outer ends ; this protects the ship from tor- 
pedo attacks. None are in use on our ships, as 
their usefulness is in doubt. 



Naval Notes 179 

With modern warships an engagement is very 
different from one with old-style ships. Effective 
work can now be done by the large-caliber guns at 
a four-mile range. 

The Oregon has the Christopher Colon s old gig, 
which was captured from the Spanish fleet at San- 
tiago. It is still in good condition and is being 
used as the captain's gig. 

Warships carry a complete diving outfit, because 
it is necessary at times to send down divers to 
examine the rudder, propellers, strainers, etc. 
Gunner's mates generally do the diving, and they 
are given extra pay for the work. 

All ships rate a large fish- or drag-net, which is 
occasionally brought out by the crew and taken 
ashore to use. Should provisions run short at any 
time, the fish-net would be of great value. 

Each ship has a bulletin-board, where all data, 
etc., pertaining to the crew are posted. 

When the ship is handling powder the powder- 
flag is hoisted at the fore, and no one is allowed to 
smoke aboard ship. 



180 The American Battleship in Commission 

Many of the large ships carry chaplains, and 
while the services are being held the church flag is 
hoisted in a conspicuous place. 

A mascot, in the shape of some tame animal, is 
generally carried aboard the ship. The Kentucky 
had a large tame bear, which would growl when 
poked in the ribs. When visiting bluejackets came 
aboard it was great fun to see them pet the bear. 
Suddenly, however, one of the crew would poke 
Bruin in the ribs. He would let out an awful roar, 
and the stranger petting him would make for the 
rigging. 

No sulphur-end matches are allowed aboard ship. 
Only safety-matches in small boxes are used. Gas- 
oline is also forbidden to be carried. 

The decks of the ship are swept some six times 
each day. When at sea, particularly, one would 
wonder where the dust comes from. 

During meal-hours the meal-pennant is hoisted 
to the yard-arm and lowered at turn-to. 

Many of the foreign Navies have a conscript law, 
which compels their subjects to serve in the Army 
or Navy. All men in the different services of the 



Naval Notes 181 

United States enlist of their own volition. Their 
pay, clothing, etc., are unequaled. 

When a warship enters a foreign port she fires a 
salute in honor of the nation to which the port be- 
longs. The salute is returned by the nation saluted. 
Should a fleet of ships enter the port together, the 
senior ship does the saluting. 

If an enlisted man dies at sea his body is sewed 
in a canvas by the sail-maker's mate, and at the feet 
a heavy weight of iron is attached. The ship is 
hove to during the burial, and the colors lowered 
at half-mast. Burial services are conducted by the 
captain or the chaplain. At the conclusion of the 
services the body is committed to the deep. The 
firing-squad then fire three volleys in honor of their 
departed comrade. 

The engineer on watch seldom leaves the vicinity 
of the throttle-valve. Should the propeller drop 
off or any accident happen to the machinery, the 
steam must be shut off promptly in order to pre- 
vent a serious accident. 

Slabs of zinc are placed inside the boilers regu- 
larly. The corrosive elements of the water attack 
the zinc first, and this protects the interior of the 
boilers. Rudder pivots, strainers, etc., on the 



1 82 The American Battleship in Commission 

ship's bottom also have small pieces of zinc placed 
around them in order to prevent corrosion. 

When the fresh-water supply is getting short it is 
sometimes mixed with salt water, An accident of 
this kind seldom occurs, because there are a great 
many facilities for making and stowing fresh water. 

While forced draught is being used the fire-rooms 
are closed up tightly, and blowers discharge the 
air into the fire-rooms, where it makes its exit 
through the ash-pits up through the furnaces and 
finally out past the smoke-stacks. This gives the 
fires an intense draught. 

If a ship with twin screws should have her rudder 
disabled at sea, she could steam into port by steer- 
ing with her propellers. One screw revolving faster 
than the other would swing the ship's bow ac- 
cordingly. 

The term " indicated horse-power M signifies the 
actual horse-power developed at the trial trip. In 
most instances the horse-power developed at the 
trial exceeds the amount required in the contract. 
An excess of horse-power insures more speed. 

Engines and fire-rooms are kept neat at all times. 
Every member of the engineer's department has a 



Naval Notes 183 

brightwork station to keep clean. Visitors always 
admire the neatness displayed in this department. 

The ship has reserve-bunkers, which contain a 
couple of hundred tons of spare coal. This coal is 
not carried on the books. Should anything happen 
to the regular supply, the reserve coal would come 
in handy. 

The engineer's department has a well-equipped 
machine-shop, which contains all the latest tools 
and machinery. Many mechanics are carried aboard 
the ship, and the repair-work performed by them 
saves the Government millions of dollars yearly. 

All ships have powerful anchor-engines, which 
are very essential, because if the ship should run 
aground or the anchor should get stuck in the 
mud, great power would be required for heaving 
purposes. 

Most of the main bearings of the main engines 
contain hollow compartments, which are connected 
with a system of water-pipes. Running water is 
turned on, which circulates around the bearings and 
prevents them from becoming too hot. 

The engineers on watch on a twin-screw ship 
try to have both engines make the same number of 



184 The American Battleship in Commission 

revolutions. If one engine revolves faster than the 
other, it causes the ship's bow to swing in the 
opposite direction, and also makes extra work for 
the helmsman. 

A midnight lunch is served out to the men on 
watch in the engineer's department. Oatmeal is 
also put in their drinking-water: this prevents 
the men from getting cramps from drinking the ice- 
water. 

An accurate account is kept of all shots fired 
from each gun. It used to be that when a certain 
number of shots were fired from a gun it was then 
considered useless. If the gun is well built and 
taken care of, this limit is greatly exceeded. 

When the ship is about to go to sea the large 
guns are drawn in the full length of their recoil and 
blocked. The turrets are also keyed, to prevent 
them from rolling in a sea. 

When a bluejacket goes aboard a new ship he is 
given a station-billet, which has marked on it the 
owner's number, station at drills, etc. 

In port an anchor-watch, consisting of a few 
men, is detailed each night to be on duty in case 




a 

3 



< 



Naval Notes 185 

their services should be required. In case there 
should be duties to perform in the night the rest of 
the crew would not be disturbed. 

Every ship and officer has a certain number when 
signaling or corresponding ; this number system 
greatly facilitates matters. 

The ship's compass is near the steering-wheel on 
the bridge. The helmsman must be careful not to 
have any metallic object, such as keys, etc., in his 
pocket, because these would act as magnets and 
might cause the compass to deviate. 

Our large type of ships carry twenty boats, divi- 
ded as follows : three steam-launches, four sailing- 
launches, five cutters, two whale-boats, one barge, 
one gig, four dingeys, besides a couple of cata- 
marans. 

Old rags are seldom cast overboard from the 
ship, because they are useful for shining bright- 
work. Brightwork refers to all metal that is kept 
polished. 

Admiral George Dewey has seen over fifty-two 
years of naval service. 



BOOK II 
MAN-O'-WAR YARNS 



SYNOPSIS 

Stand by the Pic. — How to tell the Weight of a Porker. 
No Teeth, No Music— A Contraband Bow-wow. — -Tell it 
to a Marine. — Wash-day. — A Sinking Ship. — Presto ! 
Change! — Dogs. — To-morrow is the Day After — Number- 
One Kind Tea-set. — A Fowl Move.— Show Me. — A Personal 
Story.— An Old Salt's Salty Saltings.— The Wreck of the 
U. S. S. Yosemite. — Sea-going Smiles. — Good-morning. — A 
Perpetual Reward. — Ingenuity. — Stormy Weather on the 
Gulf. — A Dry Ship. — Frenzied Finance. — Full Rations. — 
Ah Choy.— A Rookie's Letter.— Lost: a Ward-room Cake. 
—Two Seadogs Growling.— A Few Salty Riddles. 



MAN-O'-WAR YARNS 



IN traveling around, particularly in foreign ports, 
a person may see a great many odd incidents, 
both comical and otherwise. Great knowl- 
edge'^ obtained in many ways, for there is nothing 
that broadens and educates fc the mind more than 
traveling. A good idea of human nature is also 
obtained, because one sees life in all its various and 
complicated phases. In many ports where the ship 
is lying at anchor there are several small squalid 
boats hovering around the ship that are standing 
by to pick up the slops thrown overboard. 

Should a whole slice of bread be thrown away, 
it is carefully scooped up and laid out to dry. The 
same slice of bread, with others, is taken ashore 
and sold to people who are unaccustomed to such 
luxuries. By having a personal acquaintance with 
some of these incidents, it reminds one of the value 
of home, also of the day when he resented a piece 
of bread and butter unless it had a quarter-of-an- 
inch layer of " ma's jam" spread on it. 

I will now proceed to relate some of the stories 
as I recall them. 



192 The American Battleship in Commission 

" STAND BY THE PIC " 

While the Oregon lay at anchor off Yokohama, 
Japan, a few months before the Japanese and Rus- 
sian war, we had a drill called "aband ship." 
When the word is passed, all hands " aband ship." 
Each one rushes to his respective duty. Provi- 
sions, water, etc., are brought to the small boats, 
and the men detailed to them muster in front of 
their respective boats, and sometimes they are low- 
ered and leave the ship with the crew. 

There was an Italian bandsman named Joe, who 
played the piccolo, and during the drill he seemed 
bewildered, as he wandered about with his instru- 
ment in his hand. The division officer spotted 
him and asked him what were his duties on aban- 
doning ship. Joe then seemed to understand, as 
he looked up and answered, " Me stand by the 
pic." 

HOW TO TELL THE WEIGHT OF A PORKER 

Guam is a tiny spot located somewhere in the 
Pacific Ocean. After the Yosemite was lost the 
crew were brought back to Guam and sent ashore 
to Agana, the capital. 

Shortly afterward the Solace came in and took 
the crew to Manila, where they were distributed 
among the fleet. A few were kept for shore duty, 
I being one of the number. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 193 

The natives there are called Cheemoores, and 
are a very kind and docile race. They speak 3. 
dialect of their own and have a great many quaint 
customs and ideas, one of which I will mention. 

When a porker is to be killed, great ceremonies 
are performed in advance. First, the porker is 
brought forth and sized up mentally, or with a 
tape-measure. It is then figured out how many 
singers Mr. Porker will rate, as a certain number 
of children are invited to participate in the fes- 
tivities. For a couple of weeks they gather each 
evening and sing. 

Meanwhile the porker is fastened to a post under 
the house with about a thirteen-inch cord. When he 
is killed all hands who have participated in the cere- 
monies receive a piece pro rata. Great care must 
be exercised in measuring, because if too many 
singers are invited there might not be enough pork 
to go around. 

Many Americans who have been on duty at 
Guam a long time claim they can tell the weight 
of the pig by listening to the chorus. 

NO TEETH, NO MUSIC 

On a certain ship we had a bugler who was an 
elderly person and very fond of his tea ; so when 
on shore leave it was a matter of conjecture as to 
whether he would return on time or not. As the 



194 The American Battleship in Commission 

ship rated but one bugler, his services were in 
regular demand. To make matters worse, Jack 
had a set of false teeth, and when on liberty he 
was in the habit of leaving them somewhere. The 
result was that we had no music until the teeth 
were found or a new set bought. 

Finally things had come to such a pass that Jack 
used to leave his teeth aboard ship before going 
ashore. He figured out that a set of teeth in the 
mouth is worth twenty at the dentist's. 

A CONTRABAND BOW-WOW 

Shortly after the battle of Manila Bay the cruiser 
Baltimore came up to Hong Kong to dock the ship 
and also give the crew shore leave after months of 
strenuous service. 

Most of the crew were short-timers, and all bought 
many curios ashore for the purpose of taking them 
home. One of the bluejackets came aboard with 
a little Chinese chow dog under one arm and a 
ditty-box, which he had purchased ashore, under 
the other. 

As he stepped aboard the ship the officer of the 
deck stopped him, as the regulations do not allow 
dogs of any kind aboard without special per- 
mission. 

The sailor did not know what to do, as he was 
ordered to send the dog ashore again. Suddenly 



Man-o'-war Yarns 195 

he picked the pup up, took it down the gangway 
as if he were going to give it to the shore boat-man 
who had brought him off to the ship. As soon as 
he was out of the officer's sight he pulled open his 
blouse, dropped in the puppy, stepped aboard the 
ship, put the ditty-box under his arm, and walked 
forward. When he had gone forward he hid the 
puppy, and a couple of weeks later we went back 
to Manila, and the puppy went too. 

1 ' TELL IT TO A MARINE " 

A marine is at the bottom of this story, there- 
fore there is some reason to doubt its veracity. I 
do not wish to insinuate anything against the ma- 
rines. I simply state that the story is doubtful, 
from the fact that one from Missouri might say, 
11 Aw, go tell it to a marine/' 

The story in question made such a strong impres- 
sion on some of the bluejackets of Admiral Evans's 
fleet that perhaps it may interest others. In the 
summer of 1903 the Asiatic fleet, with Admiral 
Evans in command, made Cheefoo its headquarters 
while target practice was being held in the vicinity. 
There were also several fine big Chinese cruisers 
lying at anchor there. On a certain ship a certain 
marine devised a wildcat scheme which he carried 
out to perfection. 

Now the full-dress uniform of a marine is a gor- 



1 96 The American Battleship in Commission 

geous affair ; it consists of much bright trimmings 
and other nicknacks. This marine smuggled his 
full-dress uniform ashore, and later on, when he 
went on liberty, he donned the uniform, hired a 
respectable-looking shore-boat, and paid a visit to 
one of the Chinese cruisers, which lay some distance 
away from the American fleet. 

Mr. Marine was received with full honors aboard 
the cruiser, as he presented himself as Colonel Some- 
body, of the United States Marine Corps. As it 
was only a friendly visit the colonel was invited 
into the cabin, where the corkscrews began to get 
busy. The "colonel," not being accustomed to 
such a high grade of goods, soon began to feel the 
effects, and ere long he began to believe that he 
was a real colonel. The result was that he soon 
caved in, and the officers of the ship, thinking him 
ill, took him back to the ship to which he had 
said he belonged. In coming aboard his ship the 
" colonel" did not rate any side boys. 

WASH-DAY 

When the Yosemite was first stationed at Guam 
the food question was a hard nut to crack on ac- 
count of Guam being in such an isolated place. 
The transports were few and far between. Now 
there is a cold-storage plant ashore and vessels call 
there regularly. 




< 



< 2 



Man-o'-war Yarns 197 

The principal item on the bill-of-fare at that time 
was the old stand-by — beans. Now this particular 
batch of beans had no doubt made several voyages 
around the Horn before we got them, because it 
took three days of steady cooking to make them 
chewable. 

In the galley are large coppers where beans are 
cooked by steam. Whenever a batch of beans was 
put into the coppers to cook, which was often, a 
persuader in the form of soda was also put in. The 
supply of soda, however, had run out, and as we 
were unable to get another supply for some time, 
salt-water soap was used instead. There is but 
little difference between the two, as the soap is 
made very strong. 

I was somewhat skeptical when the cook said he 
used soap to soften the beans ; but one day I hap- 
pened to pass by the galley, and the cook called me 
in, lifted up the lid of the copper, and said, " See 
those beans in there?" 

He then took a full half-bar of paymaster's bou- 
quet, as the soap is called, and calmly shaved it 
into the copper; then he stirred the beans with a 
large paddle, which caused a heavy sea-foam to 
gather on top. After the cook had dissolved the 
soap thoroughly, he informed me that the beans 
would be ready for breakfast next morning. 



198 The American Battleship in Commission 



A SINKING SHIP 

Several years ago, when one of our small ships 
was on duty 'around Alaska, a peculiar accident hap- 
pened to one of the coal-passers on watch. 

The floors of the coal-bunkers of this ship were 
made of wood, and being snugly fitted together, it 
was water-tight. The ship leaked a little, so the 
small space between the flooring and the hull of 
the ship gradually filled with water. 

A coal-passer went into the bunker to get out 
some coal for the fires, and in trying to break up a 
large lump of coal with a heavy bar the bar crashed 
through the planking. This caused the water to 
spurt up. The coal-passer thought surely that the 
bar had gone through the ship's bottom. 

He rushed up on deck to the chief engineer's 
office and reported that the ship was sinking. The 
matter was investigated, and it was found that 
only the confined water had come up through the 
aperture. 

presto! change! 

One morning, while drinking my morning coffee, 
I sat near a chest on which Bill and Jack were 
seated. Bill jumps up, goes to his mess-locker, 
and brings a tin of condensed milk. He dips out a 
spoonful, puts it in his coffee, and as he goes to 
return the tin of milk, Jack asks, " How's chances?' 



Man-o'-war Yarns 199 

Bill replies, "It ain't mine." As Bill returns the 
tin of milk back to the locker, Jack calmly lifts the 
spoon out of Bill's cup and scrapes off the con- 
densed milk into his own, and then returns the 
spoon. Bill sits down and stirs and stirs his coffee, 
with no results, and finally concludes that the milk 
is of a poor quality. Jack — he approves of it. 

DOGS 

When one of our new ships went into commis- 
sion the crew got their heads together and decided 
that the ship must have a mascot. Dogs, cats, 
goats, etc., were recommended, but still they could 
not agree which to choose. Finally it was decided 
to consult old Billy Thompson, the ship's quarter- 
master, who could tell about mascots, etc., as far 
back as sixty-one. 

The committee on mascots marched in a body to 
Billy's quarters and explained their predicament. 

Leisurely lighting his pipe, Billy said: " Maties, 
they don't put er ship like this wun inter commis- 
shun every day, an' er ship widout er mascot is like 
er sailor wid er pipe and no terbaccur. 

" Now, speakin' 'bout dorgs, I'm well 'sperienced 
wid 'em. I've been sick, bited, and even put in 
the pie wagon over 'em. There's enough dorgs 
aboard ship widout gettin' any more. Now, we 
often has dorgs [sausages] for breakfast, doors and 



200 The American Battleship in Commission 

hatchus has dorgs on 'em [clamps used for securing], 
then there's the dorg watch [a shift of watches to 
change the hours], and onct I got in ther pie wagon 
for fetchin a live dorg orf [a full bottle of liquor], 
and dorg gast it, I got thurty days fer it. 

" We's don't need er dorg. They ses er dead 
dorg tells no tales, so anything but er dog will fill 
ther billet." 

Herman Ebeneezer, who had been listening to 
the consultation, remarked to the committee on 
mascots: " I'll be dog gurneled if I don't send for 
Dad's mooley calf, if youse fellers will pay the 
freight." 

P. S. — The mooley calf arrived O.K., but met 
its fate in the galley. 

TO-MORROW IS THE DAY AFTER 

In December, 1903, the battleship squadron, 
with Admiral Evans in command, left Yokohama 
for Honolulu. The fleet comprised three battle- 
ships and four cruisers. The battleships proceeded 
in a squadron by themselves. 

Throughout the trip the weather was very fair. 
When we crossed the line of 180th meridian a com- 
ical incident occurred. 

Should you cross the line on Tuesday going from 
Honolulu to Yokohama, the next day would be 
Thursday. In returning it is the reverse. Should 



Man-o'-war Yarns 2 °! 

you cross it on Friday, next day would be Friday 
also. A full day of twenty-four hours is not 
gained. The day of the week is changed so as to 
make the date fall on the same day of the week on 
both sides of the line. 

I was on the Oregon at the time, and in front of 
us was the Wisconsin and the flag-ship Kentucky in 

the lead. 

When the squadron crossed the line it was Sun- 
day; naturally the next day was also Sunday. 
There was a great deal of work to be done on the 
Oregon at the time, so it was figured out that we 
would not cross the line until Monday. This 
meant two working-days. There were two Mon- 
days all right, but only aboard the Oregon. When 
we reached Honolulu we found out that the other 
ships had had two Sundays. We were not out 
anything, however, as we had the regular Sunday, 
anyway. 

NUMBER-ONE KIND TEA-SET 
While stationed at Guam the Yosemite made 
periodical trips to Japan, because the weather there 
was much pleasanter. On one of these trips many 
of the crew purchased tea-sets to take home to the 
dear ones. You have to be pretty smart to get 
the best of a Japanese in buying a tea-set. They 
say it is number-one kind, and praise up its merits 



202 The American Battleship in Commission 

in various other ways. Incidentally they ask a 
price much higher than it is worth ; they expect to 
be Jewed down. 

The Yosemite had a donkey-boiler which was used 
to keep steam up while lying in port. This was to 
preserve the main boilers. This boiler was located 
on the upper gratings directly over the main boil* 
ers, and was not in use at the time. While the 
Yosemite lay at Yokohama many of the crew, who 
were short-timers, purchased tea-sets, which they 
stored in and around the donkey-boiler. 

Of course, lying at Yokohama, where the weather 
was nice and cool, all of the main boilers were not 
lit below. Everything around the donkey-boiler 
was cool. 

It seems that when the main boilers were all lit 
and the ship put to sea, the heat around the donkey- 
boiler was terrific, particularly when we neared 
Guam and struck the tropical climate again. Many 
of the men on watch below were wondering where 
those little pieces of soft dough were coming 
from. The little pieces would drop down regularly 
through the gratings to the fire-rooms below. One 
of the men happened to pick up a piece of the 
dough. He found that it was decorated in bright 
colors. He at once concluded that the tea-sets 
had been melted by the intense heat from the fire- 
rooms. Several of the crew rushed up to the don- 



' Man-o'-war Yarns 203 

key-boiler to examine the tea-sets. It was laugh- 
able to see them. Most of them had run together : 
where they had once been a set of sixty-two pieces, 
they now formed a trust, and consolidated. Since 
each tea-set was only worth about seventy-five 
cents, however, the loss to each man was not great. 

A FOWL MOVE 

In 1899, during the Philippine uprising, the gun- 
boats of the Navy were on the go continually, 
helping to prevent filibustering, assisting the Army 
in landing troops, etc. I was on the Bennington the 
larger part of that year. In the latter part of '99 
we were ordered to proceed to Lingayen Gulf for 
patrol duty. Lingayen Gulf was more popularly 
known as Hungry Man's Gulf, on account of the 
hard living at that place during the period. 

Daugapan was only a few miles from this place, 
which was in possession of the insurgents ; also the 
majority of the rolling-stock of the Manila and 
Daugapan Railroad. 

Our orders were to steam two days a week around 
the vicinity. After we were there awhile, all deli- 
cacies, such as sugar, flour, canned vegetables, etc., 
soon began to wane. The principal article left 
was the sixteen-hole regulation hardtack. All 
ships rate a large drag-net, which was used by the 
crew in earnest, as the fresh-meat boat did no vis- 



204 The American Battleship in Commission 

iting in those days. Not many fish were caught, 
because that place is infested with sharks, which 
scare away the small fish. 

Every one aboard who could produce a fishing- 
line did so. In most cases it was if the fish don't 
bite, you don't eat. 

During one of our periodical trips in the vicinity 
we hove to off a small island. It was noticed that 
a couple of canoes were heading for the ship. We 
waited until they came near. We saw that the boats 
were loaded with chickens and fruit. The owners 
were eagerly requested to come aboard and sell 
their goods. The ward-room steward was " Johnny 
on the Spot," so he procured all the chickens. 

The queer part of it all was that the poor natives 
wished old clothes instead of money for their goods. 
When this fact was learned, there was a great 
scouting around to scare up old clothes to buy 
from the natives. 

The ward-room officers decided to keep the chick- 
ens alive until Sunday, so a temporary chicken- 
coop was rigged up on deck and the fowls put into 
it. 

In the forward fire-room of the Bennington a 
conspiracy was formed by the firemen and coal- 
passers. So one dark night, about two A.M., a 
successful raid was made on the coop. 

It was only a few minutes' w r ork to scald, clean, 



Man-o'-war Yarns 205 

and prepare the ex-ward-room chickens for the grill. 
A coal-shovel was wiped clean, and the chickens 
were carefully laid out in sections, regulation Navy 
butter spread over them, and the shovel held over 
the hot coals by willing hands. Soon there was a 
royal chicken feast deep down in the bowels of the 
ship. 

When the ward-room discovered their loss, they 
got mad and held a preliminary court of inquiry. 
The verdict was that the chickens yet left in the 
coop were worth treble the absentees, so the ward- 
room cook had to make a stew of what was left to 
have enough chicken to go around. 

"SHOW ME" 

While one of our battleships was in dry-dock, a 
farmer happened to pass by, and never having seen 
a ship before, he asked a bluejacket what those 
two windmills were for. By windmills he referred 
to the propellers. 

Jack answered, " Why, them's fans which keep 
the rudder-hinges cool." 

The farmer did not seem quite satisfied with the 
explanation, so he asked what moved the ship 
around. 

"Why, the rudder, of course," answered Jack. 



2o6 The American Battleship in Commission 



A PERSONAL STORY 

This story is my pride, and means more to me 
than this whole book, though it were of virgin gold. 
Many will doubt or be skeptical as to its truth, 
but I can only say it is true. 

I vehemently deny, in advance, any thought of 
mentioning it for sympathy, as the story demon- 
strates happiness instead of sorrow. 

My mother has been so good and kind to me 
that, in looking back at the days of darkness, I 
take great pride in allotting her this small space. 

Many naval officers and enlisted men are married, 
and, when convenient, their wives follow the ship 
from port to port. When the occasion demands 
it during a conversation, the women-folks exclaim, 
" Why, I'm a sailor, too!" This is also true of 
an enlisted man's folks. They take pride in know- 
ing that their son is in the Navy, and his letters 
are always read with the greatest interest. Of 
course, women are not as interested as men in the 
good points of a twelve- or thirteen-inch gun. 
They are apt to say, " Ain't war awful!" They 
do not stop to think that by having both quality 
and quantity of twelve- or thirteen-inch guns the 
prospects of ever having war would be like the 
North Pole — hard to find. 

Several years ago my mother went to a small 



Man-o'-war Yarns 207 

country party where the guests remained over 
night. A pillow on my mother's bed had been 
used by a child which was suffering from some dis- 
ease of the eyes. The result was that my mother 
contracted a disease of the eyes which caused her 
to gradually lose her sight. 

Scores of remedies were tried, operations, medi- 
cines, etc., but of no avail. The lot of a blind per- 
son is a hard one. Still my mother made the best 
of it and seemed to become reconciled. 

In 1898, when I enlisted, I came home often be- 
fore I was sent to sea. The first day I came home 
in uniform mother had to feel me all over to tell 
how I looked. Sewed on my sleeve was my rating 
badge, at the top of which is a white eagle made 
of raised work with the wings spread out. She 
was able to tell that it was a bird by the sensitive- 
ness of her touch. " Isn't that a pretty bird !" she 
said. 

During my absence her sight returned naturally. 
When I came home she could stand a few feet 
away and see me. Since then she has steadily im- 
proved, and the day is not far distant when she 
will be able to read this book. For the above 
story I can only say, " Praise be to the One who 
can make the lame walk and the blind see/' 



208 The American Battleship in Commission 

AN OLD SALT'S SALTY SALTINGS 

In signin' quarterly accounts say nothin' if yer 
got more money on ther. books than yer thought. 
If short er nickel or more, say er mouthful. 

If yer have dirty clothes, wash 'em ter-day ; ter- 
morrow may be cloudy. 

Never buy any terbaccur; it is too much trouble 
ter carry it. Shipmate Bill spells his name 
E-A-Z-E-Y. 

Spare yer not ther elbow grease ; Uncle Sam 
don't care fur expenses. 

After ther wrinkles are out then's yer time ter 
tell 'bout ther fifteen dollars per week that yer 
made on ther outside. 

When yer wants ter knock, tip yer hammers wid 
wireless rubber. 

If yer could only sen' yer hammuck ashore ter 
ther wash, yer wouldn't have ter scrub it. 

Don't holler 'bout not shippin' over. Ther lar- 
ger yer holler, ther quicker yer cum back. 

When yer git ter rate er boiled shirt, be sure an' 
wear ther same size hat. 

Don't tell ther fellers how yer did it ; let others 
do it fer yer. 

Never monkey wid dorgs. They sometimes bite. 




Race-boat and Crew, U. S. S. Illinois. Note the graceful lines of the boat, and 
the muscles of her crew. 

Copyright. 1905. by Enrique Muller. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 209 

Yer needn't git tattooed ter be er sailor ; ther's 
others who like salt horse. 

If yer want ter git er smoke-stack, use smokeless 
coal. 

Write oftun ter yer mother. She don't fergit 
yer, even if yer are twenty-two. 

Don't tell 'bout ther rich uncles yer got what's 
workin' on ther poor-furm. 

Never be afraid of er big man. Er turpeder- 
boat can outrun er battleship. 

When work's on han' cut out ther eddie-cut. 
'Taint " Good-mornin', Bill, have yer used Pear's 
soap?" It's "Hey, there! Grab that scrubbin' 
brush." 

Er enlistment is like ther tide : it runs out. 

'Taint alwus ther man behind ther gun that does 
ther work. Most guns has sights on ther sides. 

Don't throw water on any one ter make 'em be- 
lieve it's raining. 

When yer git home don't tell 'bout ther sea-ser- 
pents yer saw. 

Alwus respect yer superior officer. Yer may be 
one yerself sum day. 

Don't butt in wher' yer have ter butt out. 

Many when bustin' their liberty say, "Oh, I 
don't care." But aftur the'r' punished they oftun 
rubber at ther bulletin-board ter see when they kin 
go ashore agin. 



210 The American Battleship in Commission 

Don't pour oil on troubled waters ; it's bad fer 
ther eyes. 

Many wonder why er sailor likes ther sea. Why 
does er duck swim? 

Put yer money in ther ship's bank if yer 'tends 
ter git hitched up when yer git home. 

Have ambishun ! Don't be er sea-ladder fer 
those who has it. 

An idear's like er dollar bill at er fair: it's easy 
changed. 

Ther's many er slip 'tween cup and lip ; so steady 
cummin' up ther port gangway. 

Uncle Sam ain't greedy. He oftun calls twice 
six er baker's dozen. 

Do unto others as yer would do when in debt 
an' couldn't pay. 

Some call er sailor er flat-foot ; people in Oregon 
are called web-footers. 

Money's made roun' ter go roun', but we travel 
roun' fer ours. 

Uncle Sam's ther opposite from whale huntin' : 
he don't pay jaw-bone. 

Don't tell how yer would do it, but butt in. 

Never think ther ship can't get along widout 
yer. If yer does, don't think loud. 

Mermaids are like sea-serpents — doubtful. 

Don't say " can't." 'Tain't regulation. 

Stocks are like er ship : they rise an' fall. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 211 

If we all thinked ther same, they'd be no boat 
races. 

When yer git promoted don't think yer er whole 
school-house. Ther's other pupils 'board ship. 

Don't judge people by ther gunboats on their 
feet. Some may have corns. 

When yer clast and wanter go shore, wurk ther 
tooth-ache racket. Call early at ther sick-bay and 
have one of ther main chewers out er whack. 

Ther days of " shiver yer timbers " is past. We 
now got iron ships wid petrified wood trimmin's. 

Some people only drinks liccur when in agony. 
Lot's has pains all ther time. 

Wid ther wireless telegrapht in use, turpeders 
willbe run wid hot air 'stead of comprest air. 

'Tain't all gold that glitters. Ther's enuf bright- 
wurk 'board ship ter start er brass-mine. 

THE WRECK OF THE U. S. S. YOSEMITE 

At the time of this wreck Guam was a lonesome 
place where vessels called irregularly. But little 
was known of the island because it was so isolated. 
Of late years many changes have taken place. 
Transports and other vessels now call at Guam 
regularly. 

Guam is the main island of the Marianas, or 
Ladrone group. When Magellan, the great ex- 
plorer, discovered these islands, he landed at Guam 



2 1 2 The American Battleship in Commission 

to replenish his food and water-supply. While 
stopping there the natives stole all the iron-work 
which they could lay their hands on. For this 
reason Magellan named the islands the Ladrones. 

Guam is about thirty miles long and twelve miles 
wide. The population is about eleven thousand. 
The natives are called Cheemoores, and they are 
a very quiet and peaceable race of people. 

Since the United States has had control Guam 
has made great progress in many ways. In 1898, 
when the Charleston was [ordered to Manila, Cap- 
tain Glass was ordered to capture Guam while en 
route. 

On entering the harbor the Charleston cleared 
ship for action. Subsequent events, however, 
proved that the victory was a bloodless one. The 
inhabitants of Guam were ignorant of the fact that 
war existed between the two countries. 

Rumor has it that the Charleston fired a few 
shots, and the governor of Guam, thinking it was 
a salute, paid an official visit to the ship and ten- 
dered his apologies for not being able to return the 
salute, because he was out of powder. 

When informed that Guam was to be taken in 
the name of the United States, the governor was 
dismayed. Final arrangements were, however, 
made for the surrender. 

All the Spanish subjects were taken to Manila 



Man-o'-war Yarns 213 

and given transportation to Spain. Meanwhile, a 
native of Guam, who could speak English fluently, 
was appointed temporary governor until Captain 
R. P. Leary arrived. He was the first American 
governor of Guam. The cruiser Yosemite brought 
Captain Leary to Guam. The ship was ordered 
to be detained there as station-ship. 

The Yosemite was a converted cruiser of about 
6000 tons displacement, 3800 horse-power, and 
her battery consisted of six five-inch guns and six 
six-pounders. 

San Luis de Apra is the main harbor, where all 
ships lie at anchor. This harbor is seven miles 
from Agana, the capital of Guam. About two 
thirds of the population live at Agana. The pal- 
ace, marine barracks, etc., are also located here. 

Running parallel with the harbor is a long, contin- 
uous reef, which acts as a natural breakwater. 

On the morning of November 13, 1900, while 
the Yosemite lay quietly at anchor in this harbor, a 
terrific typhoon arose with such suddenness that 
the ship was unable to get steam up in the main 
boilers and put out to sea. Some of the ship's 
boats were away from the ship when the storm 
commenced, and they were signaled to return 
at once. They were all hoisted and secured 
in time, with the exception of the steam-launch. 
The wind and sea were then so strong that the 



214 The American Battleship in Commission 

launch was unable to approach the ship. The offi- 
cer of the deck cried through the megaphone, 
11 Beach the launch anywhere." 

The steam-launch and her crew of five were lost. 
It seems the launch was ground to pieces over the 
sharp coral-beds. Later on three of the bodies 
were recovered. 

Our troubles were now beginning in earnest. 
The ship started to drag over the coral-reefs 
toward Sumay, a small town facing the harbor. 
By this time steam was up in the main boilers, both 
anchors were out, and the engines were going full 
speed ahead. Still the big ship kept on drag- 
ging. There were soon several holes in her bottom 
forward. A life-boat was now lowered, manned 
by a volunteer crew ; the boat attempted to tow a 
small line to the beach with which a large hawser 
was to be hauled ashore. This would enable the 
crew to abandon the ship. 

The reefs soon cut the line in two, and the life- 
boat was dashed to pieces as it neared the beach ; 
but, luckily, the crew escaped with but slight in- 
juries. 

The storm, which seemed to increase in velocity, 
now suddenly shifted its course, and caught the 
Yosemite off the starboard beam. 

The sick-bay was located on the forward berth 
deck, but the ship sunk so rapidly by the bow 




a 

g 
O 

o 
o 

o 
a 



Man-o'-war Yarns 215 

upon reaching deep water that it was with great 
difficulty that the patients were removed in time 
to the ward-room. While the sick were being re- 
moved, other members of the crew were closing 
the water-tight doors. By closing these doors the 
crew's lives were saved. This confined the water 
and kept the ship afloat. 

Now the ship was blown out of the harbor. 
How it cleared the narrow entrance and reached 
the open sea will never be known. The wind and 
sea were terrible to behold. Life-boats, spud- 
lockers, etc., which had been well secured, were 
blown bodily off the ship. 

Before reaching the open sea the Yosemite struck 
a rock, stern first. This completely carried away 
the rudder, snapped two blades off the propeller, 
and bent up the rudder-shoe so badly that when 
the propeller revolved the good blade would strike 
it and could turn no farther. 

The atmosphere was a mass of spray, and it was 
impossible to see a hundred feet ahead. Finally 
the ship did clear the narrow harbor entrance and 
reached the open sea. Should the ship have struck 
that main reef, the ship and crew would have been 
lost forever. 

At this period there was but little water in the 
main and after holds, so the ship's stern was high up 
in the air. Bulkheads were braced and bucket-lines 



216 The American Battleship in Commission 

formed. In fact, everything was done to try to 
outlive the storm. 

No one will forget that first night out. At times 
the ship would get in the trough of the sea and roll 
on her very beam ends ; often she would lie on her 
side and stagger as if in doubt whether to come 
back on her keel or not. Toward morning both 
main pumps broke down, and the water began to 
gain rapidly in the other holds. 

It was no easy task to overhaul these huge 
pumps, because the engine-room was in a horrible 
mess. The Yosemite was a single-screw vessel. 
On the upper gratings over the engine-room were 
several oil-tanks which were bolted to the bulk- 
heads. During the early stage of the storm these 
tanks broke adrift and their contents spilled over the 
pumps, machinery, ladders, etc., below, and made 
it dangerous to move about. 

After several hours of patience and toil the pumps 
were put in order again and the water lowered in 
the main and after holds. Nothing could be done 
with the forward hold, as one might as well have 
attempted to pump the ocean dry. 

When daylight came we were in a sad predica- 
ment : no rudder, the propeller useless, nearly all of 
the life-boats blown away, and the ship's back gradu- 
ally breaking. This caused the water to gain in the 
other holds, and to make matters worse there were 



Man-o'-war Yarns 217 

a large number of man-eating sharks gathering 
around the ship. 

Throughout the night rockets were fired at inter- 
vals, in the hope of attracting help. 

At the foremast was a large American flag which 
was reversed to signify distress. 

All hands worked with that dogged determina- 
tion that is never found lacking in the Navy. Later 
events demonstrated that the good work of both 
officers and crew kept the ship afloat long enough 
for all hands to be rescued. 

I forgot to mention that the ship's mascot, which 
was a black goat, was lost. This goat was in the 
sick-bay when the patients were rescued, but the 
water rose so rapidly that the goat and a great many 
valuables were lost. 

In the afternoon of the fourth day out one of the 
lookouts cried, "Smoke-ho!" All hands rushed up 
on deck in a body to see where away. Sure enough, 
there was a small steamer several miles away. The 
steamer was going in the wrong direction to see us, 
so several of the guns were loaded and fired simul- 
taneously. Our appeal was answered, as the Justin 
changed her course and came to our rescue. What 
a welcome sight she was as she hove to off our 
beam ! 

The Justin was a Navy collier which was sta- 
tioned at Guam with the Yosemite. At the time of 



2 1 8 The American Battleship in Commission 

the storm she was well laden with coal, so that only 
a small portion of the ship was exposed to the 
wind. As it was, she dragged a long distance and 
narrowly escaped destruction. 

Captain Seaton Schroeder, who was governor of 
Guam at the time, ordered the Justin to go out and 
look for us. The Justin lowered some boats, and 
tow-lines were run from ship to ship. When a 
strain was put on them they snapped like twine. 
The Yosemite by this time was setting very low in 
the water. 

When it began to get dark the word was passed, 
" All hands abandon ship." This time it was not 
a drill ; it was a reality. 

The pay-clerk, who was acting-paymaster, stood 
by the boat-falls and mustered the crew into the 
life-boats. As each name was called the owner 
stepped forward and slid down the boat-falls into 
the life-boats. 

When the life-boat was filled it was rowed over 
to the Justin, where the crew were transferred. 

Men were called up from the engine- and fire- 
rooms, where they had been on watch ; they left 
the ship with only the clothes on their backs, but 
their lives spared them. 

As soon as the crew reached the Justin they lay 
about the iron decks with a ring-bolt or an anchor- 
chain link for a pillow. They slept like innocent 



Man-o'-war Yarns 219 

children when they realized that their troubles 
were over. 

The Yosemite kept afloat that night, so the Justin 

1 stood by. Next morning the paymaster went 

aboard and saved several thousand Mexican dollars. 

At three o'clock that afternoon the good ship 
Yosemite went down. She had been our home, 
and all who witnessed it will say, "It was a sad 
and solemn sight." The ship began to stagger, and 
then suddenly she steadied herself. Then she 
made three plunges, bow first ; at the third plunge 
she failed to recover herself, but kept sinking by 
the bow until an angle of forty-five degrees was 
reached. With a final plunge she sank to the bot- 
tom of the ocean. 

The Justin then returned to Guam, and the next 
day we entered the harbor. We dropped anchor 
just where the Yosemite once lay. 

The day before the storm Guam was a beautiful 
picture of nature ; but now all the foliage had been 
turned a yellow color by the salt water which had 
blown over it. 

A small shore-boat came off to the ship to com- 
municate the latest news. We then found out that 
the steam-launch and the crew had been lost. 

Governor Schroeder had his hands full ashore be- 
cause of the great destruction which had been 
caused. Several hundred native houses had been 



220 The American Battleship in Commission 

blown down, all the Government buildings were 
damaged, and several natives drowned. All the 
food-crops of the natives were destroyed. The 
Government issued food rations to the natives for 
several months after the storm. When the crops 
were replanted and harvested, the natives were 
again able to take care of themselves. 

When the Navy Department received the official 
reports of the wreck and the loss of the ship, they 
were so pleased and gratified with the bravery and 
heroism displayed by the entire crew that an offi- 
cial letter was forwarded to Guam. Upon its re- 
ceipt Governor Schroeder mustered the crew to- 
gether and read it to them. 

Had the Yosemite been out in the open sea un- 
crippled, she would have fought; that typhoon to a 
finish and conquered it. 

SEA-GOING SMILES 
DEAD ON IT 

Navigator (from Kentucky) : I hope we get some 
sunshine to-morrow so I can get my true bearings. 

Executive (also from Kentucky) : It looks like 
to-morrow will be cloudy. Would a little moon- 
shine do? 

Navigator (who tumbles) : Well, a couple of fin- 
gers would steady me on my course. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 221 

SEAMAN, SIR 

Pat (heaving the lead for the first time): 
H-e-e-e-haw, h a w he. 

Officer (from the bridge) : What's the matter 
there? Don't you know how to read the lead-line 
yet? 

Pat : Oi knows the tune of it, sir ; by and by 
Oi'll lurn the wurds. 

A NEW HAND 

Rookie : Well, I reckon you can tell me where 
the ship's cook be at. 

Old-timer : Sure, Johnny. You'll find him 
down in the forward magazine frying fish. 

CHEAP GUY 

Hot-air Bill : Gee ! I'd like to be pilot. They 
get three hundred a month. 

Wireless Pete : Funny world, this. I always 
pays a nickel to pilot a schooner across the bar. 

DREAMING 

Master-at-Arms (waking up over-sleeping blue- 
jacket): Hey, there! Come out of it. It's after 
reveille. 

Bluejacket (who is having a pipe-dream) : I don't 
want any breakfast, ma. 



222 The American Battleship in Commission 

WELL POSTED 

Recruiting Officer : So you would like to enlist 
as a bandsman, hey? 

Italian Musician : Yes, sir, me like. 

Recruiting Officer: Who is the greatest man in 
America? 

Italian Musician : Georgie der Wash - - 

Recruiting Officer: You'll do. 

OUT OF COMMISSION 

Stormy: Say, Mickey, what must a man be to 
rate a military funeral? 

Mickey : You got me. I don't know. 
Stormy : He must be dead. 

CANNIBALS 

Little Child (who has been visiting a warship 
with its ma at meal-time) : O mamma ! 

Mamma: What is it, dear? 

Little Child: Ain't it funny, the sailors eat just 
like we do ! 

EXTRA STARS 

Recruit (to paymaster of flag-ship) : Why are 
there fifteen buttons on my trousers? 

Paymaster: Why, don't you know? America's 
first flag contained thirteen stars. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 223 

Recruit: Where does the extra two come in at? 
Paymaster : Oh, they represent the stars in the 
Admiral's flag. 

CANTEENS RESTORED 

Jack: Say, Bill, what do you think? There's a 
doctor in Germany who got up a pill that will turn 
a glass of water into beer. 

Bill (greatly excited): What's his address? 

A DEEP DRAUGHT 

Captain (joking Naval Constructor) : Why, I 
draw twice as much water as you do. 

Naval Constructor: If I put you in dry-dock you 
won't draw any. 

ON DUTY 

Foreign Monarch (admiring thirteen-inch guns) : 
How do those big guns work, Admiral? 

Admiral: I could show you better when they 
are in action. 

STORMS AHEAD 

Mike (to tattooed Jimmy, who is a w short- 
timer" and intends to get married): Going to ship 
over, Jimmy? 

Jimmy : Sure, Mike, on the matrimony sea. 



224 The American Battleship in Commission 

RELIGIOUS 

Chaplain : Your face is not familiar at church, 
my good man. 

Unreformed Sailor: I practice my religion every 
morning before breakfast. 

Chaplain : I do not understand your meaning. 

Unreformed Sailor : It's me that works the holy- 
stone on deck. 

A LEG BAROMETER 

Naval Doctor: You should not be so anxious 
for a discharge. Your rheumatism is improving 
wonderfully of late. 

Rheumatic Patient: IVe been offered a good 
billet in a weather-bureau office, sir, and me leg 
will help to keep me my job. 

Naval Doctor: Very well, I'll recommend you 
for a discharge. 

LIQUID REFRESHMENTS 

Old Lady (pointing to Jack's canteen) : What do 
you carry in that thing? 

Jack: We carry water in the canteen, ma'am. 

Old Lady : Well, I do declare ! That must be 
the canteen question I hear so much about. 

A MONEY-MAKER 

Hickey : Next hitch, Windy, I'm going to ship 
over as a baker. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 225 

Windy: You are foolish. You draw more 
money than a baker. 

Hickey : Come off. A baker makes more dough. 

POOR SOUP 

Officer (sampling contents of pot): How dare 
you issue such soup as that to the crew? 

Ship's Cook (who was about to dump contents 
of pot into the ash-chute) : This is not soup, sir. 
It is the dish-water. 

AIRY SAILORS 

Submarine Jack: Say, Willie, Uncle Sam's going 
to put submarine and torpedo-boat sailors on that 
new air-ship that's about to be commissioned. 

Torpedo-boat Willie : I knew that a month ago. 
I'm studying up for a good billet on her. 

Submarine Jack: What you going to be— a bal- 
last-shifter? 

Torpedo-boat Willie : Why, no. I'm studying 

up to be a sky-pilot. 

LIGHTNING CALCULATOR 

Division Officer (to rookie) : What weight pro- 
jectile does a six-pounder gun fire? 

Rookie (who is in doubt): I believe eleven 
pounds, sir. 

Division Officer: You are wrong. What's the 



226 The American Battleship in Commission 

difference between a pound of feathers and a pound 
of lead? 

Rookie (who tumbles) : A six-pounder gun fires 
a six-pound shell. 

GOOD-MORNING 

In Japan the word "ohio" (spelled ohayo) 
means " good-morning/' So when the crew of a 
warship are ashore on liberty they are greeted with 
many polite bows and " ohios." 

On board the battleship Wisconsin were two 
chums who were born and brought up together in 
the State of Ohio. When the ship entered the 
harbor of Yokohama, both of the young men were 
very anxious to go ashore and see the country of 
which they had heard so much. 

Shore-leave was granted the young men, and they 
started ashore. They traveled all over the city, 
and saw all they could of beautiful Japan. 

The next morning they arose to make prepara- 
tions to return to the ship. On all sides they were 
greeted by polite bows and " ohios." After hear- 
ing the word for about the thousandth time, Bill 
turned around to Jim and said, " I wonder how 
they knew that we were from Ohio/' 



Man-o'-war Yams 227 

A PERPETUAL REWARD 

A certain marine officer, when on shore duty in 
charge of a body of marines, had quite an ingenious 
system for studying human nature. Office hours 
are held about ten o'clock every morning; all 
marines on the report for offences committed are 
brought before the commanding officer to have their 
cases looked into and punishments administered. 

All offences committed are mostly of a petty na- 
ture, and when the offenders are brought before 
the commanding officer, they put up the most in- 
genious defences ever known. 

The punishment is generally fatigue duty, which 
means that the offender must perform extra work 
about the barracks while the rest of the marines 
are at leisure. Many old-time marines claim that 
work is a lost art with them, so extra duty is not 
welcomed. 

The first thing this commanding officer did upon 
entering his office of a morning was to take out his 
pocket-book and take out a nice-looking five-dollar 
bill, straighten out all the kinks, and lay it on the 
edge of his desk. One half hung over the table, so 
that the V could be plainly seen, and a heavy pa- 
per-weight was also used to anchor it down. The 
court is then opened up, and the offenders are 
brought in and tried, one at a time. 



228 The American Battleship in Commission 

As each offender is brought before the com- 
manding officer, he points to the five-dollar bill 
hanging so conspicuously on the desk, and says to 
the offender, " You see that five-dollar bill on my 
desk? , Well, that's for the man who can tell me a 
story I never heard before/' 

Many a marine had spent a sleepless night 
scheming up some new yarn. Still the bill re- 
mained a permanent fixture on the officer's desk. 
When the commanding officer was told a story 
which he had never heard before, he would burst 
into laughter and exclaim, " Why, my good fel- 
low, I heard that story twenty-five years ago." If 
the story seemed to be original, the offender would 
generally escape punishment. 

Bill Johnson, the official hot-air merchant of the 
camp, had often boasted to his chums how he would 
butt in and cop the V. Shortly afterward, one 
pay-day, Bill became tangled up with some tangle- 
foot, and was locked up in the guard-house for safe- 
keeping. 

The next morning Bill, with a big head, was 
brought before the commanding officer at the reg- 
ular time. After being introduced to the V and 
charged with being top-heavy, Bill, who was quite 
a sea-lawyer, put up the following defence : 

u We got paid yesterday, sir, and when I came 
off guard last night I started down town to see the 



Man-o'-wa* Yarns 229 

moonlight ascension of Professor Aguadentes* air- 
ship. It seems my watch was wrong, sir. When 
the air-ship business was all over I arrived. 

" Then I decided to return home. I started to 
do so, but all of a sudden I was knocked down. I 
looked upward to see what had struck me. I 
looked around, and there was the air-ship passing 
over my head. It seems that some one in the air- 
ship was distributing bags of sand on the heads of 
pedestrians in order to lighten the weight of the 
air-ship. Unfortunately it was my destiny to be 
hit with two of them. The second one put me 
out of commission, as I remembered no more until 
I woke up this morning and found myself locked 
up in the guard-house." 

The commanding officer, who had never before 
heard such a plausible story, gave a few outbursts 
of laughter, and then exclaimed, " Why, my good 
fellow, I heard that story twenty-five years ago ! 
I'll let you go this time, but don't do it again !" 

Bill was in great distress, as he thought he had 
a mortgage on the V-spot. Suddenly he was seized 
with an idea. Looking straight into the eyes of 
the commanding officer, he exclaimed, " Air-ships 
were not in existence twenty-five years ago. " 

Bill is now the hero of the camp — he won the 
prize. 



230 The American Battleship in Commission 

INGENUITY 

The Navy collier Brutus was manned with a 
naval crew for a long period-. The Brutus, being 
a collier, did not carry a steam-launch. Often the 
ship lay far off from shore, so when anyone went 
ashore there was a hard pull ahead for the small- 
boat's crew. 

The members of the engineer's department con- 
trived to convert the ship's dingey into a steam- 
launch. On board the Brutus was an old White- 
head torpedo-engine ; so with the help of a large 
sheet of steel, piping, etc., a serviceable boiler was 
manufactured, also a home-made propeller. The 
dingey was fitted up to receive the machinery, and 
when completed, the trial trip took place. 

A dingey is the smallest boat carried aboard 
ship, so the launch's capacity was somewhat limited. 
At the trial trip the launch could do five knots 
under forced draught. Four knots was the maxi- 
mum speed under normal conditions. 

The launch proved a success, since she saved the 
crew much manual labor. The coxswain of the 
boat was a ship's company all by himself: he was 
captain, engineer, fireman, deck force, and every- 
thing else. 

A torpedo-engine runs in only one direction, so 
all eccentrics, valves, reversing-levers, etc., were 
missing. When the coxswain, etc., etc., wished 



Man-o'-war Yarns 231 

to get under way steam was turned on the engine, 
and the coxswain then leaned over the stern and 
gave the propeller a turn to start the engine in 
motion. Upon making a landing great seamanship 
was displayed, because the engine had to be stopped 
at the proper distance from the landing; otherwise 
the engine could not be reversed. A small hand- 
pump was used to supply the boiler with feed-water, 

STORMY WEATHER ON THE GULF 

Rusty Ryan had served Uncle Sam twenty-odd 
years. At last he decided to ship over on the 
matrimonial sea. Rusty had often told his ship- 
mates that he would get hitched up when his en- 
listment expired. Being more familiar with sea- 
going knots than those matrimonial, Rusty often 
sought advice from his mates as to how to make 
love to a "gal." All hands advised him to butt 
right in to the gal he liked best and tell her all 
about it. 

Upon being paid off, Rusty put up at a comfort- 
able boarding-house which was managed by an old 
lady who had a daughter. 

As soon as Rusty was introduced to the daughter 
he immediately decided to drop anchor. After 
making what he thought was love to the daughter 
for several weeks, Rusty could stand the suspense 
no longer. 



232 The American Battleship in Commission 

One evening, as Maggie was playing the piano in 
the parlor, Rusty waltzed up to her and popped the 
question. 

Maggie became very indignant, as she was heard 
to reply : " Go away, you lobster ! I have a parrot 
that swears, a monkey who chews tobacco, a cat 
that scratches, and I don't intend to have an old 
sea-dog growling at me," 

Rusty upped anchor and headed for the guardo, 
a sadder but a wiser salt. 

A DRY SHIP 



Characters < 



Admiral Twostars, 
Captain Tightgloves, 
Cabin Steward, 
Cabin Boy. 



Captain : Steward, the Admiral is coming to 
visit me to-day. As there is no champagne in 
stock [he never did have any], I've got up this 
little scheme. When I invite the Admiral into the 
cabin I'll ring the bell and order a nice quart of 
Mumm's put on ice. You will take the order and 
return in a couple of minutes and reply: "Captain, 
I'm very sorry to report that we are all out of cham- 
pagne. There's some nice Pabst beer left." In 
reply I will call you down (make believe) for being 
negligent, etc. 

Admiral (who just arrived aboard) : How do you 



Man-o'-war Yarns 233 

do, Captain. Your ship is looking spick and span. 
It's awfully warm to-day, isn't it? It must be 
cooler down in your cabin. 

Captain (brings the Admiral into the cabin) : It's 
the hottest day I have ever experienced on this 
station, Admiral. Why, even the pitch on the 
deck is melting. [Captain rings bell and steward 
enters.] Steward, put a nice quart bottle of Mumm's 
on ice right away. The Admiral's stay is limited. 
Steward (returning a couple of minutes later): 
Captain, I'm very sorry to report that we are just 
out of champagne. I ordered some yesterday, sir, 
and it has not come aboard yet. There's some 
nice Pabst beer on ice. 

Captain (making a grand stand) : No more cham- 
pagne left? What became of the case I bought 
two weeks ago? [Never bought a bottle in his 
life.] I'm going to disrate you for incompetency. 
Here I have a distinguished guest for company, 
and you make such a report as that. Get out of 
here and send the cabin boy in. 

Admiral (who doesn't tumble): Oh, that's all 
right, Captain. I would just as soon have a glass 
of beer. Mistakes will happen, you know. That 
reminds me of a little story. When my dad used to 
go fishing he always took along a little jug that was 
marked " Bait." One day when dad went to town 
I played hookey and went fishing. I took dad's 



234 The American Battleship in Commission 

jug along with me. When I went to bait my hook 
I found that the jug contained hard cider. 

Captain (boy enters as Captain is laughing at 
joke) : Boy, bring in a couple of bottles of beer 
right away. 

(As Admiral leaves the ship, sighs and murmurs) : 
I'm three dollars in, anyway. 

FRENZIED FINANCE 

I have stated in the article entitled " Naval 
Notes " of this book, that when a sailor begins to 
imagine that he is getting tired of the sea he begins 
to talk about starting a chicken ranch or a farm. 
I myself have had a little personal experience in 
that line, and I shall proceed to relate it. 

After being shipwrecked on the cruiser Yosemite 
I was detained ashore at Agana, the capital of 
Guam, for shore duty. One of the bluejackets 
there owned a small piece of land located on a 
small hill which overlooked the town. As this 
bluejacket was going home soon, he sold the land 
to me at a nominal sum. I purchased the land 
with the intention of starting a chicken ranch. 
This I did to my sorrow. 

I put the chicken ranch in commission with a 
complement of sixty chickens, and my troubles and 
misfortunes then commenced in earnest. St. Pat- 
rick must have visited Guam, for there were no 



Man-o'-war Yarns 235 

snakes there. There are some lizards, however, 
about three feet long and capable of swallowing a 
two-months-old chicken without the least inconve- 
nience. 

The lizards acquired the habit of visiting my 
hen-house regularly and sucking every egg they 
could find. As I was unable to procure glass eggs, 
I had to put up with the lizards. 

The hens would become greatly frightened at the 
appearance of these lizards, and ere long the hens 
commenced to lay in the brush, which made mat- 
ters just as bad. No sooner was an egg laid than 
the rats would eat it. When the hens went to the 
brush I thought that they had quit laying. One 
of my shipmates told me that meat was a great egg 
producer, and I therefore changed the diet of the 
chickens. 

The paymasters store-rooms were near my place, 
and whenever a lot of tinned meats were con- 
demned I managed to get some of it to feed to my 
fowls. The chickens were fed canned "Willie" 
straight, and the results were magical. The hens 
even laid while they roosted in the trees at night. 
Still the early bird got the worm. Should I be on 
hand before the lizards or rats, I would then get 
my share of the eggs. This state of affairs was too 
good to last, as some kind of chicken disease broke 
out among my flock and many died. Those that 



236 The American Battleship in Commission 

survived quit laying, so I sold the chickens for 
what I could get, and later on when I came home 
I re-enlisted aboard the Oregon. 

About two years after the failure of the chicken 
ranch Guam was visited by a terrific earthquake, 
which did considerable damage to the island. Many 
claim that the island rose six inches out of the wa- 
ter as the result of the earthquake. 

Many of my shipmates used to make fun of the 
land I owned in Guam by saying that they would 
not give seven dollars for the whole island. I, in 
return, would demonstrate to them how my land 
had gone up (by inches) during my absence. 

FULL RATIONS 

Two bluejackets were arguing one day over the 
wages, etc., paid for common help in a certain 
State. As the argument became very bitter, they 
decided to have a third party settle it. Upon be- 
ing asked for his opinion, the third party expressed 
himself as follows: " When we lay at the Brook- 
lyn navy-yard on the old Lancaster, a draft of 
rookies came aboard, and among them were two 

brothers who came from the State of -. 

Both of these brothers were as green as grass. 
Later on I became acquainted with one of them, 
and he told me how they came to enlist. He said 
that he and his brother had worked five years for 



Man-o'-war Yarns 237 

a farmer in the State of . They had never 

received a cent of money. So one Fourth of July 
they asked for two dollars in order to go to town 
and see the circus. They were refused the money, 
so they left and joined the Navy. 

11 When they first came to the ship they used to 
call the fresh bread 'white cake/ as that was 

what it was called down in the State of . 

They used to get ■ white cake p twice a year — 
Christmas and Fourth of July/' 

AH CHOY 

Ah Choy, mess attendant first-class, had often 
heard how easy it was to fake the sick-list, and, 
therefore, be excused from all work. So one day 
Ah Choy decided to take a trial shot. 

Promptly at 8:30 next morning Ah Choy re- 
ported to the doctor, and exclaimed: " Me cachee 
lomeytism in lef legee; all samee hurtee." 

The patient was put on the sick-list so as 1 to 
enable the doctor to get the run of the case. Ah 
Choy was in all his glory, as three square meals a 
day with nothing to do just suited him. So he 
decided to stay on the sick-list until his enlistment 
expired. 

After enjoying the rest cure for about a week at 
Uncle Sam's expense, the doctor began to get sus- 
picious, so a close watch was kept on Ah Choy. 



238 The American Battleship in Commission 

One day Ah Choy forgot himself and limped on 
the wrong leg. The next morning the doctor had 
Ah Choy laid out on the operating-table and 
broke out his amputating instruments. 

Upon sighting the highly polished knives and 
saws Ah Choy turned deathly pale, because he felt 
sure that they were going to amputate his leg. He 
could stand the suspense no longer, so he jumped 
off the operating-table and rushed out on deck cry- 
ing, " You no can cuttee legee. " Ah Choy is now 
a cured case. 

a rookie's letter 

U. S. S. Sansalito, Oct. 9, 1906. 

Deer Ma an Pa : 

Well, I do be a real sailur at las'. Ther doctur 
at ther reckrutin' orfice looked me over right pert 
an' said I wuz cut out to be a flatfoot. I wuz sint 
hear with a gang of fellers frum Kalamazoo to this 
ship. Thoze suspendurs that Aunt Mirandy sint 
me be of no ust as we uns do not be alowed to ust 
them az we ust buttuns insted. I askt a feller hear 
what be ther best fur to study up fur, an Admirul 
or Kaptin. He saz that a wize un like me oughter 
lurn to be kaptin of ther poop deck. 

This boat be four storys hi and ther flors are not 
painted. Gee, ma, its hard wurk scrubin' thoz 
flors with san' and kanvas. I was mutch scart las' 



Man-o'-war Yarns 239 

night as when I wint to git in mi hammuck I felled 
out. A feller sazs get a hammuck laddur which I 
did. Whin I wint to sleap I dremt Pa's mule wuz 
chastin' me an' I felled out and waked up. Ther 
cook saz if I'll help peal spuds he'll give me sum 
pie checks. 

I nearly broked mi kneck yisterday as I wuz gorn 
up stairs I slipt an' I dont ketch ther banster in 
time so I hit ther flor with a whing. I wuz out 
in a real boat ther other day an' I dint get seasick 
one whit. Oh! Ma, tell me ther best way to git 
durt frum dirty klothes without washin' 'em. Mine 
gits durty owful eazy. When I gits to sea I'm 
gorn to shoot them big guns you herd tell about. 
Gee whilikins youz outher see one of 'em ripsnor- 
ters they be as big as Hesry Hakins win'mill. We 
dont hav eny lamp lits hear like at home, all lits 
hear turn on and orf. I tried to blow one out, but 
a feller saz turn it out which I did. Dont tell eny 
one, I'm gorn to be kaptin of ther poop deck, az 
I wanter cum home and surprize 'em. 

I'll klose fur this time, Reckuning you all be 
ther same. 

Your Lovin' sun, 

Hiram, 



240 The American Battleship in Commission 



LOST — A WARD-ROOM CAKE 

When the armored cruiser New York was on a 
certain cruise the ward-room cook made a delicious 
cake. The ship had then been at sea several days, 
so a cake was quite a treat. As the cook was some- 
what late in making the cake, the steward set it to 
cool in the air-port of the pantry. 

At the time one of the ship's electricians hap- 
pened to be repairing a fan in the pantry. The 
instant he set his eyes on the cake, his stomach 
got the best of his conscience. Repairing the fan 
as quickly as possible, the electrician went up on 
deck, and hunted up his chum, who was an A. B. 
(seaman), and as agile as a cat, especially when it 
came to climbing ropes, etc. 

A conspiracy was soon formed, with the innocent 
cake as the " key " to the plot. As the ward-room 
officers do not dine until about 7 P.M., it was 
therefore quite dark on deck. The two conspira- 
tors got a short line, and headed for that part of 
the ship which was located directly over the pantry 
air-port where the cake was cooling. 

A bow-line was soon rigged, and the A. B. was 
lowered over the ship's side to the air-port. As 
luck would have it, the pantry force was busy with 
the first courses of the evening meal, so it took only 
the fraction of a minute to capture the cake. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 241 

Should that line have slipped or broken, the cry of 
"man overboard " would soon have been echoed 
from one end of the deck to the other. But a 
ward-room cake is not to be got every day by old 
Jack, so the thought of any danger was not con- 
sidered as long as the raid turned out a success. 

The A. B. took cake, pan, and all up forward 
and hid it. Then both conspirators agreed to meet 
when the mid-watch was called and eat the cake. 
When the steward went to get the cake for the 
ward-room dessert it was not to be found. As the 
steward was sure that no one entered the pantry, 
he at once decided that the cake had rolled over- 
board. All the steward got for his pains was a 
rebuke from the ward-room for being careless in 
not securing the cake for sea. 

TWO SEA-DOGS GROWLING 

Time: Summer, 1903. 

Place : On board the U. S. S. Oregon, at anchor 
off Cheefoo, China. 

Characters : William Brown, alias Stormy, on 
account of being quite windy. 

James Murphy, alias Spud. There are many 
Spuds, but this is the original. 

Enlistment Record : James Murphy, boatswain's 
mate, first-class ; age forty-five ; standard height ; 
vocation previous to joining Navy, policeman. Full- 



242 The American Battleship in Commission 

rigged ship, tattooed on breast, deep voice, also has 
decided list to starboard. Was born in Shamrock- 
ville ; twenty years* honorable service ; disposition 
cheerful; a competent man, well liked by officers 
and crew; was nicknamed Spud on general princi- 
ples. Spud is the boatswain's mate of the first 
division of the Oregon, and has just lately shipped 
over. 

William Brown, gunner's mate; age thirty-five; 
vocation previous to joining Navy, gas-man. Has 
several pimples under both arm-pits ; they are 
either moles or barnacles. Seventeen years' honor- 
able service ; height, five feet five inches ; large dis- 
placement, also large beam. Was born in Mis- 
souri. Disposition cheerful. Stormy has been 
shipmate with Spud on three different occasions. 
Stormy has just arrived aboard the Oregon and is 
ignorant of the fact that Spud is also aboard. 
After stowing away his luggage he strolls about the 
ship meeting old shipmates. As he steps out on 
the forecastle he runs into Spud, who is sitting on a 
chest filling his Woodstock pipe with Navy plug. 

Stormy: Hello, Spud, old boy! [They shake 
hands.] I thought you said you wasn't going to 
ship over again? I knew the meal pennant would 
fetch you back. You did right by coming back, 
as there are pretty hard times ashore. 

Spud: Well, I'll be torpedoed! Where did you 




Q s 
< 1 



Man-o'-war Yarns 243 

come from? I did intend to stay out last time, for 
I bought a chicken farm and run it three months. 
The chickens wouldn't lay, so I sold the whole 
sheebang and shipped over. No more farming for 
me, Stormy. I thought it would take an act of 
Congress to take the political job away from you 
that you had on the Philly. 

Stormy : Haw, haw, haw ! You old fogie, you 
must have looked pretty piping all the chickens to 
muster. I lost my job when the Philly went out 
of commission, so they sent me out here on the 
Solace j and I caught the old Bulldog. You remem- 
ber the Jimmy Legs that used to be with us on the 
Philly at Panama? Well, he jumped, and they 
caught him in 'Frisco and gave him six months. 

Spud : I heard about Jimmy Legs, but I thought 
he only got busted. Say, Stormy, the ship's a reg- 
ular home, and we live like fighting-cocks, as the 
commissary steward is certainly a peach. Whb do 
you think is our executive officer? It's Mr. Car- 
rol that used to be with us on the old Mickey in 
eighty-nine. 

Stormy: I met Mr. Carrol at the gangway as 
I came aboard, and shook hands with him. He re- 
members me well, as he once caught me fetching a 
dog off. They are going to make another dozen 
warrant gunners, and I'm going up for it. Do you 
think I'll make it, Spud? 



244 The American Battleship in Commission 

Spud : Sure, Mike, you'll make it if you will 
learn all about spontaneous combustion and all that 
rigermoro stuff. You got a great knob on you and 
have had a good learning, and I hope you make it. 
I'm going out with a pay-day this time, as I'm 
stowing it away on edges in the ship's bank. I in- 
tend to get hitched up when I get back, as I've 
got a dandy dame on the string. 

Stormy : Hee-haw, hee-haw, is the gal's name 
Maud? You would certainly look sea-going, going 
down the line with Missus Spud on your port beam. 
Come out of it, man. You got the love-lit in the 
wrong blinker. Soon as she gets your dough she 
would cut the tow-line and you would then head 
for the guardo. Better look out. You may 
fail as you did with the chicken farm. 

Spud: They ain't no use guying me, Stormy ; I 
haven't forgot the time you got tangled up with 
that mermaid in Oakland. She mooched your 
whole pay-day, and you didn't see the inside of a 
church, either. So you had better pipe down. 
There goes mess gear. We had better get ready 
for dinner. 

P.S. — Both make their exit to their respective 
messes. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 245 



A FEW SALTY RIDDLES 

In Manila Bay, May, '98, what was the question 
not a question? 
Do we did it? 

What parts of the ship are farmish? 
Jackasses, hawsers, and crow's-nest. 

Why are there no labor strikes or walking dele- 
gates in the Navy? 

Because all have to belong to the same Union 
before Uncle Sam will ship them. 

Why do battleships make better watch-dogs than 
cruisers? 

They bark louder and their skin is thicker. 

Why are women-folks so anxious to get a sailor- 
cap ribbon? 

Because a ship is called " she." 

What part of Jack's uniform reminds you of an 
Admiral? 

His blue collar: it has two stars. 

What well-known Nation has no Navy? 
Why, Carrie. 



246 The American Battleship in Commission 

Where is the dryest place aboard ship? 
The brig: there are bars all around, but not 
a drink. 

What would make the best wife for an old sea- 
dog? 

A mermaid : she couldn't kick. 

Who could outsleep Rip Van Winkle if only 
given the opportunity? 
A marine. 

What did the Oregon maKe that famous trip for 
in '98? 

To get on the other side. 

When does a bluejacket think number thirteen 
unlucky? 

When there are thirteen men at his table and 
only twelve pieces of pie. 

Why is a submarine mine like a salted mine? 
It takes water to float them both. 

What parts of a battleship are like the army? 
Her masts : they are both military. 

Why is it mermaids do not believe in Santa 
Claus? 

Because they do not wear stockings. 



Man-o'-war Yarns 247 

Why is a very seasick man like a man caught 
bluffing in a big jack-pot? 

They both have to come up. 

* 

What is the difference between a good ship and 
a man's red nose? 

First-class goods are used to make a good ship, 
but any old goods will make a red nose. 

What is the difference between a greyhound 
(ocean steamer) and a bulldog (the Oregon)} 

The greyhound knows how to run ; the bulldog 
knows how to fight. 

Why is it that the sword is mightier than the 
pen in the Navy? 

Officers draw more salary than yeomen. 

When does an old salt get salted? 
When he gets married. 

Why is a man-o'-war like a placer mine? 
She gets cleaned up often. 

When the ship is at sea what does her rudder 
remind you of? 

A poor man : it is always working. 

Where are Uncle Sam's initials seen the plainest? 
On the sailors' caps. 



248 The American Battleship in Commission 

What is the difference between an admiral and a 
policeman? 

The policeman carries his one star, and the ad- 
miral has a big ship to carry his, too. 

Why are ships, sailors, clergymen, and lovers all 
in the same boat? 

Because they all make knots. 

What parts of the machinery remind a married 
man of his mother-in-law? 

Crank, cross-head, and jacking-over engine. 

What is the nearest thing to a ship without a 
rudder? 

A saloon without a side door. 

Why is the line below the last one in this book? 
Because it is the End. 



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